Child Protection Orders
Scottish Borders Council has a legal duty to look into situations where a child may be in need of protection. In most cases, this follows on from someone contacting the Social Work department saying that they are concerned about a child's welfare. Sometimes the staff who then look into the situation think that the child is suffering or will suffer significant harm unless there is action taken to protect the child. This action is called an 'emergency child protection measure'. There are three measures which may be taken:
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a Sheriff may make a Child Protection Order; these could have to do with a child's contact with a particular person or it could be about a range of things
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a police officer may decide that a child is suffering or would suffer significant harm unless immediate action is taken to remove the child to a place of safety
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if a Sheriff is not available to consider an application for a Child Protection Order, a Justice of the Peace can be contacted to authorise emergency protection measures.
Depending on the circumstances, and after agreeing the best way forward to preserve the child's welfare and development, the Social Work department will work together with the family of the child, in most cases working towards a situation where the child will return to his or her family.
What to do if you have concerns
If you see behaviour that is of concern, or if a child or young person tells you something, you need to take them seriously, do something about it, and speak to someone. This could be a teacher, a doctor, a health visitor, a social worker, a police officer or nursery staff. If you would like more advice or information, you can contact:
- Children Services Duty Social Worker
Council Chambers, Albert Place, Galashiels TD1 1EU
Tel: 01896 662762 - Out of office hours, please telephone 01896 752111.
You can also speak to a confidential helpline such as:
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the NSPCC (this link will take you to another site).
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Childline 0800 1111
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Parentline 0808 800 2222.
Unified Solutions.