Worried about a child?

All parents experience difficulties at various times that can be helped by other family members or close friends. If someone you know is having difficulties, you could offer the following:

• A listening ear;
• Ideas to cope with problems;
• Encouragement to get some help;
• Practical support (childcare/shopping).

There may be times when a child may be at risk of abuse and professional support needs to be provided. How would you want other people to act if your child was being harmed? Would you want them to mind their own business or report their worry to a professional who could help?

When we suspect, witness or are told of a child that is being hurt we can react in many different ways. We may feel guilt, anger, disbelief or denial. Some of these reactions can prevent help getting to a family who need it.

Many people do not tell because they fear:

• Children will be at further risk of harm;
• They believe that nothing will be done;
• They believe that the child would be taken away;
• They worry that the family may find out who reported them;
• Telling may ruin family relationships.

In reality, it is best that action is taken early to protect the child and stop things getting worse. Long-term abuse is much more likely to cause problems for a child as they get older. Even if you think an incident is just a one-off, other professional agencies may already have concerns about the child. Your information could be very important. All agencies will treat information received on a confidential basis.

• Protecting children is everybody’s business;
• Adults have a responsibility to report abuse;
• Consider offering some support if you are worried;
• If in doubt, share your concerns about children;
• Reporting concerns rarely leads to a child being removed from the care of parents;
• Act now – long-term abuse is damaging for children.

There are many possible signs of abuse, ranging from physical injury to changes in behaviour. Alternatively, you may witness an incident or a child may tell you that they are being harmed.

If you are concerned about a child’s welfare or safety you can contact your local Child and Family Agency office and speak to the social work team, or the Gardaí.