To report a concern if you are a member of the public
During office hours
You can call Children’s Social Work Services on 0113 222 4403 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, except Wednesdays when we're open from 10am).
You can also discuss your concerns with someone who works with children and families, such as your health visitor, social worker, school nurse or teacher (all schools have a teacher responsible for child protection).
Out of office hours
If you think a child is in immediate danger call the police on 999.
To report a concern if you work with children or young people
During office hours
Call the Duty and Advice team on 0113 376 0336 (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, 9am to 5pm; Wednesday 10:30am to 5pm; Friday 9am to 4:30pm).
Out of office hours
If the issue can't wait until the next working day, contact the Children's Emergency Duty Team on 0113 535 0600 and provide us with as much information as possible.
Enquiries needing an immediate response
- When it is felt a child or young person is at immediate risk of harm
- When a child protection investigation is needed (because of physical, sexual and emotional abuse or chronic neglect)
- When a child or young person needs an immediate mental health assessment
Enquiries which can wait until the next working day
- When a professional or practitioner would like to make contact with Children’s Social Work Service to have a conversation about a concern they have for a child that might lead to a referral – but the child or young person is not at immediate risk of harm
- When a professional or practitioner would like to pass on a message to a social worker or other social work practitioner
- Any issues around contact arrangements between children and their parents
- Where one parent has been taken to hospital but the other parent or family members are caring appropriately for the child
Who to talk to if you are a child
If you have been hurt by anybody, or an adult or another young person has done something that makes you feel upset or scared, it is important that you tell somebody so that you can get the support and protection you need.
Everybody who works or volunteers with children and young people has a responsibility to protect them from harm. Tell an adult you trust. This could be someone at your school, youth club, doctor’s surgery or any other place you attend. Tell them about what is happening and what you are worried about, and they should know how to get you the support and protection you need.
You can contact Children’s Social Work Services on 0113 222 4403 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, except Wednesdays when we're open from 10am). You don't need to give your name if you don't want to.
Or you can speak to someone at Childline on 0800 1111. Calls are free and confidential. You can also contact someone through the Childline website.
Leeds Safeguarding Children Partnership
The Leeds Safeguarding Children Partnership brings together people responsible for promoting children’s welfare and protecting children.
For more information visit the Leeds Safeguarding Children Partnership website.
