Child protection and children at risk

  • Duty Social Worker - office hours - 01595 744420
  • Emergency Social Worker - out of hours - 01595 695611
  • Police - 101 (in an emergency, dial 999)

We all have a responsibility to look out for children and make sure they and their families receive the help they need. It is not your responsibility to decide what help is needed, but it is your responsibility to pass on your concerns to those whose duty it is to help. Anyone with concerns that a child or young person may be suffering from any form of child abuse, maltreatment, or neglect, should ring the above numbers.

Sometimes children and young people suffer harm as a result of the behaviour of their parents, carers, or others in a position of authority or trust. This can be deliberate but more often it is because parents or carers have their own problems, and are not coping as well as they would like. They need help before things get worse.

Who Cares? Scotland provides an independent advocacy and support service to children and young people on Shetland. To find out more about this service please contact Siân Wild on 07974370714 or email swild@whocaresscotland.org.

Child protection procedures

The Shetland Inter-Agency Child Protection procedures, are available from www.safershetland.com/child-protection. The Shetland Inter-Agency Child Protection procedures give more information on the way child protection concerns are handled in Shetland, and detail the action expected from the statutory agencies.

Support, advice and guidance

If you have a concern for a child or a young person, if you are seeking advice or guidance, or if you wish to make a referral in relation to family support and early intervention, self-directed support or short breaks, please contact children and families Duty Social Worker on 01595 744420.

Children's hearings system

Children may be referred to a Children's Hearing for a number of reasons. Further information can be found at the Scottish Children's Reporter Administration website.