Donate Search Menu About us Safeguarding children How we keep the children and young people we work with safe Safeguarding is at the heart everything we do. It’s how we protect children, young people and vulnerable adults from harm. As a major provider of children’s services in the UK, we have a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people. We share this responsibility with parents, staff, volunteers, and other agencies. Worried about a child’s safety right now? Here's what to do How we define abuse Abuse is the maltreatment or exploitation of a child, young person or vulnerable adult. Abuse can be intentional harm, or the failure to prevent harm. Abuse can happen online or in person, and can be carried out by adults or other children. Some of the types of abuse most likely to affect children and young people include: physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse or exploitation, and neglect. Who is responsible for safeguarding? The primary responsibility for safeguarding children and young people rests with their parents and carers. Our services help them keep their children safe. There may be times when we have to refer a child, young person or an adult to statutory services. We do this when intervention is the best way to keep them safe. Everyone we work with shares the responsibility to safeguard the wellbeing of our service users. All our staff are asked to abide by our safeguarding framework, and to be responsible for the quality, efficiency and effectiveness of their work. Where can I learn more? To learn more about safeguarding in each UK nation, please see the official guidance below. Northern Ireland: Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland Wales: All Wales Child Protection Procedures Scotland: Scottish Government website England: Department for Education Share this page Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Copy link You may also like Equality and diversity We’re committed to being fair and inclusive across our whole organisation Our vision, mission and values How we work to improve life for children around the UK How we can help Find out how we can help you - from parenting advice to fostering and adoption Our work and impact We help children and young people to grow up safe and happy. Find out about the work we do and the impact we make across the UK Safe and happy childhood Action for Children protects and supports children and young people, providing practical and emotional care and support, ensuring their voices are heard, and campaigning to bring lasting improvements to their lives. Jobs Blog Newsletter Media centre Contact us Accessibility Privacy policy Cookie policy Terms and conditions Make a difference, help us change lives Donate now Follow us Registered address, 3 The Boulevard, Ascot Road, Watford, WD18 8AG. Action for Children is a charity (1097940/SC038092) and a company limited by guarantee (England and Wales No. 04764232). © Action for Children 2021 We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our website and improve our marketing. By using our website you agree to our use of cookies. You can change your settings at any time. Cookies Settings