Vulnerable children and young people

What to do if you are/someone you know is being abused

If you life is in danger or a crime is taking place, please call 999.

For other enquiries and advice, please call 101.

If you do not feel confident about contacting the police, ask a trusted friend or relative to help you.

How we can help

The police get involved in protecting vulnerable children in the following ways:

• investigating crime against children
• working with relevant agencies including social services and sharing information where appropriate 
• safeguarding the welfare and rights of child victims, witnesses and offenders
• working with schools in relation to truancy, bullying and school exclusions where appropriate
• investigating images of child abuse, the abuse of children broadcast through the internet, child prostitution and the sexual abuse of children
• working in partnership with local authorities on child protection issues relating to children in care
• investigating cases of abuse that occured in the past 

Our child abuse investigation units take the lead on investigating allegations of the physical, sexual, emotional or neglectful abuse of children under 18 years old.

Every investigation will involve close co-operation with key agencies. For more information on child protection procedures in Kent visit www.kcpc.org.uk and for Medway visit www.mscb.org.uk

Concerned about a child or young person under 18?

If you are concerned a child is suffering or is likely to be harmed, please call:

Kent Police - 01622 690690 and ask to speak to someone in the child abuse investigation unit

Children's Social Services - 08458 247100 (out of hours emergency number: 0845 7626777)

Medway Children's Social Care - 01634 334466 (out of hours emergency number: 0845 7626777)

NSPCC - 0808 800 5000

Childline - 0800 1111

Or in an emergency call 999

Not sure what to do?

You can call your local child abuse investigation unit for an informal chat if you have concerns and are unsure what action to take. The conversation will be in complete confidence.

Call 101 and ask for the child abuse investigation unit.