If you are a
child who is suffering from abuse or an
adult worried about a child, you can find help here. Abuse can take many different forms. We have listed the main types
here.
If you are a child who needs help please tell us immediately. There are people who can help you, all you need to do is tell us. You can either call or email:
Evening and night time help
Monday to Thursday 5.30pm - 9.00am
Friday and bank holidays 4.30pm - 9:00am
Telephone: 0845 606 1212
Day time help
Monday to Thursday 9.00am - 5.30pm
Friday and bank holidays 9.00am - 4:30am
Telephone: 0845 603 7634
You can ask for help, advice or information for yourself, someone in your family, a friend or neighbour.
Essex County Council has a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. If you are concerned that a child may be being harmed please
tell us. If you have immediate concerns about a child's wellbeing, please don't keep them to yourself.
When we hear that a child may be being abused or neglected, we have a duty to investigate. We discuss with other professionals and people involved with the child and if we have serious continuing concerns, they may become the subject of a child protection plan.
This plan is made with parents/carers and with colleagues from other agencies to offer support and protection to the child. Our priority is to keep children with their families, except where it would be unsafe to do so.
Emergency contact details
Where a situation is urgent and cannot wait until the next working day:
Monday to Thursday 5.30pm - 9.00am
Friday and bank holidays 4.30pm – 9:00am
Telephone: 0845 606 1212
Helpline
Where there are immediate concerns about the safety or welfare of a child or young person:
Telephone: 0845 603 7634
For all other enquiries:
0845 603 7627
You can ask for help, advice or information for yourself, someone in your family, a friend or a neighbour.