This national safeguarding week, the Welsh Government have launched their new campaign called ‘make the call’.
The campaign is urging the general public to contact social services on 101 if they are concerned about the safety and wellbeing of a child or young person. It highlights common signs of distress, including:
- social withdrawal
- anxiety
- aggression
- running away or going missing
- unexplained changes in behaviour.
Though these signs don’t necessarily mean a child is being harmed, information given could help professionals assess the situation.
Deputy minister for social services Julie Morgan said:
‘You can make a big difference in keeping children safe by letting the right people know if you think someone needs help.
‘We know there are sometimes barriers to reporting concerns. People might be stopped from reporting suspicions of abuse because of fears they could be wrong. Others may fear it could make the situation worse for the child.
But I urge people to make the call if they are concerned. Don’t think ‘what if I’m wrong?’ Think ‘what if I’m right?’. Concerns can be reported anonymously.’
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