The children and young people's service takes a lead responsibility in child protection investigations although referrals can come from all sorts of people such as the police, health, schools or the voluntary sector. We work closely with all of these agencies to make children and young people are safe.

We believe that all children have an absolute and equal right to a childhood free from abuse, neglect or exploitation and that parents or carers have a right to be informed about any concern about their child's welfare or any action taken to safeguard and promote their child's welfare, providing this does not compromise the child's safety.

This section of our website is for families, carers and anyone else who may be concerned about the wellbeing of a child or young person. It

• Explains what child abuse is;
• Helps you to understand what happens when a child or young person tells someone about being abused (see the child protection page);
• Provides guidance for families about the local child protection process;
• Has links to information on other websites about some things that may be worrying you such as children and the internet, bullying or health issues; and
• Has contact details for organisations who can offer support to families on a wide range of issues.

You may be visiting this site just for general information. However, if you or anyone you know who is under 19 is being abused or neglected, please contact us or the Police on the numbers shown below.

In an emergency, always ring 999

Are you concerned about a child who is not in school?

Children who are not in school could be missing out on vital educational and social opportunities and experiences. Some of them may be at risk of harm or be in situations which are unsafe. We are keen for you to tell us if you are aware of any children who are not either in school or receiving education at home or children who appear to have gone missing from your area or neighbourhood. You can do this confidentially either by phone, letter or by e-mail. All concerns will be passed to the education social work service who will then make contact with the family concerned to make sure that the children are safe.

Child protection leaflets Child protection conferences: a guide for young people [131kb] [pdf] This leaflet provides information for young people on child protection conferences and what their purpose is. Child Protection Conferences: a parents guide to child protection [811kb] [pdf] This leaflet provides information on child protection conferences and what their purpose is. Useful downloads Assessments [968kb] [pdf] This leaflet provides information on the types of assessment that may be carried out with families, and what you can expect from the process. Comments, compliments and complaints [398kb] [pdf] This leaflet provides information on how to make a comment, compliment or complaint about a children's social care service that you have received. Parents- how to deal with bullying [207kb] [pdf] This publication explains the different types of bullying and offers good advice on how to spot the signs and what to do if bullying is occurring. There is also advice on what to do if you suspect your child may be bullying others Parents- safe on the internet [174kb] [pdf] Booklet for parents explaining what they need to know about the internet. It will help their child use chatrooms, instant messaging and text messaging safely and help parents to find out more about online spending, adult content and bullying.   Weblinks Please note: All external websites open in a new browser window and NYCC is not responsible for the content of external websites. Bullying UK Bullying UK is the new name for the award-winning charity Bullying Online which was founded in 1999 CEOP - click clever, click safe To report any instance of sexual contact or harmful material or for help and advice on using the internet safely. Get Connected Now Get Connected Now is the information, advice and guidance web-site for young people in North Yorkshire. National Society for the Protection of Children A free 24-hour child protection helpline on 0808 800 5000 provides information, advice and counselling to anyone concerned about a child's safety. North Yorkshire Safeguarding Children Board Advice and information for children, families and professionals about local child protection arrangements. NHS Choices - A to Z of health An A to Z of common conditions and symptom checker from NHS Choices. Contacts Customer services centre (social care enquiries) Full contact details for the customer services centre, including how to call in personally, can be found below. social.care@northyorks.gov.uk Tel: 0845 034 9410 Fax: 01609 532009 Full details for Customer services centre (social care enquiries)