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Child protection: report a concern and support

Last updated
3 Aug 2023

Children and young people have a legal right to protection from harm.

Child abuse is when someone causes (or doesn't prevent) significant harm to a child.  

Find out about different types of abuse.

How to report a concern about a child or young person

You can report a concern that a child or young person may be at risk of harm.

You can do it in different ways.

You can contact:

The police

You can contact the police by calling 101.

Call 999 to report a crime in progress or if a child or young person is in immediate danger.

Crimestoppers

You can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. They'll pass your information on to the police.

Your local council

You can contact your local council if you think a child or young person is at risk or is being abused or neglected.

Aberdeen City Council Aberdeenshire Council Angus Council Argyll and Bute Council Clackmannanshire Council Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council) Dumfries and Galloway Council Dundee City Council East Ayrshire Council East Dunbartonshire Council East Lothian Council East Renfrewshire Council Edinburgh Council Falkirk Council Fife Council Glasgow City Council The Highland Council Inverclyde Council Midlothian Council Moray Council North Ayrshire Council North Lanarkshire Council Orkney Islands Council Perth & Kinross Council Renfrewshire Council Scottish Borders Council Shetland Council South Ayrshire Council South Lanarkshire Council Stirling Council West Dunbartonshire Council West Lothian Council

Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) centre

You can report online abuse to the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) centre. 

More support and information about child protection

NSPCC

The NSPCC gives information on keeping children safe. They provide a helpline for anyone concerned about a child or young person.

Childline

Childline give children and young people access to confidential support and advice. They do it online and by phone or email.  

Children 1st

Children 1st give support to children, young people and families. They give support to children and young people who have suffered abuse and trauma.  

They also provide Parentline. It's a free, confidential helpline for anyone caring for or concerned about a child or young person.

Child Protection Committees Scotland (CPCScotland)

CPCScotland is a national group of childcare professionals who work together to improve the protection of children in Scotland. Their website gives information about supporting families and keeping children safe.

Parent Club

The Scottish Government’s Parent Club gives information about child sexual abuse and exploitation, including online abuse. It also explains how you can report a concern.

Police Scotland

You can get more information about child protection from Police Scotland. 

Find out about call charges.

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