Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults

Children, young people and vulnerable adults have the right to participate and be safe in the services provided for them regardless of age, race, disability, culture or gender. This includes a right to protection from abuse.

Under the Children Act 2004 and the Apprenticeships Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009, Castle Point Borough Council has a duty to co-operate with Essex County Council in discharging its duties as a Children’s Services Authority and to promote the well-being of children and young people.  Essex County Council is also the lead agency for the protection of vulnerable adults. Castle Point Borough Council can carry out its responsibilities by ensuring that the needs and interests of children, young people and vulnerable adults are considered by all Members, employees, volunteers and contracted services, when taking decisions in relation to service provision.

Castle Point Council works in line with the Southend, Essex and Thurrock (SET) Child Protection Procedures and  Safeguarding Adults Guidelines. These procedures can be found on the Essex Safeguarding Children's Board (ESCB) website and Essex Safeguarding Adults Board website. A wide selection of information and training is available. 

The Council has a Designated Safeguarding Officer that leads on this important area of work and its own Safeguarding Policy  This policy commits all Council staff, Councillors and volunteers, regardless of their role, to report and refer any concerns they may develop regarding the safety of any child or young person.

New guidelines "Working Together to Safeguard Children" were released in July 2018 by HM Government

 

Report a concern

If you are concerned about the immediate safety of a child, young person or vulnerable adult: 

• Call the Police using the 999 emergency number.

If you are a child or young person and would like to talk to someone in confidence:

• Call Childline on 0800 1111

If you would like help and/or advice or wish to speak to someone anonymously about concerns for a particular child:

• Call the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000

If you would like to report or discuss your concern about a vulnerable child or young person:

• Call Essex County Council - Children's Social Care on 0345 603 7627
  (Out of office hours - 0345 606 1212)

If you are concerned about a vulnerable adult and would like to report your concern:

• Call Essex County Council Adult Social Care on 0345 603 7630
  (Out of office hours - 0345 606 1212)