Stevenage Borough Council believes that all children are unique and have natural capabilities and competencies to adapt to the world. The council supports children’s rights as defined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child 1989. These rights must be realised for children to develop their full potential, free from hunger and want, neglect and abuse.
Adults and other children can harm a child’s wellbeing, by abusing them. It's not always obvious when a child is being abused, there may be specific signs or your instinct may tell you something is wrong.
Child abuse is never acceptable in any circumstance, and every child has the right to be safe. Safeguarding, the protection of children and their rights, is everyone’s business.
Working in partnership with the Community and Safeguarding authorities, Stevenage Borough Council aims to make sure that children using its services are listened to and protected from abuse. The council’s staff must report all incidents or concerns they have relating to the wellbeing of a child.
Members of the public who have a safeguarding/child protection concern should follow the guidance offered by Hertfordshire Safeguarding Children Board.
If you wish to notify or log a safeguarding concern about a child using a council service, you can contact the Children’s Services and Safeguarding Officer using the contact details on the right.
To make a Safeguarding/Child Protection referral, contact:
- Children, Schools and Families on 0300 123 4043
- NSPCC 0808 800 5000
- Police 999