Welcome to the parents, carers and the public section of the Lambeth Safeguarding Children Board website.

Safeguarding children is everybody’s responsibility and children have a right to be safe in all environments, for example, at home, school, on the street and even on the internet. It is therefore the role of parents, carers, teachers, doctors, nurses, social workers, police officers, faith leaders, sports coaches and anyone in contact with children to ensure that children are safe from harm.

This section is about assisting parents or carers in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We hope you will find the information useful.

What is abuse and neglect?

Child abuse is any action by another person – adult or child – that causes significant harm to a child. It can be physical, sexual or emotional, but can just as often be about a lack of love, care and supervision which is neglect. We know that neglect, whatever form it takes, can be just as damaging to a child as physical abuse.

An abused child will often experience more than one type of abuse, as well as other difficulties in their lives. It often happens over a period of time, rather than being a one-off event. And it can increasingly happen online.

The Childline Service/ NSPCC has also brought out a Guide for the parents how to talk to their young children about preventing Abuse.

If you are worried about a child, contact the First Response Team:

• Public Line: 0207 926 5555 (24 hours)
• Email: dutymanager@lambeth.gov.uk

If a child is at immediate risk of significant harm, please dial 999

Leaving children home alone

The NSCPP has brought out a helpful guide how to decide when it's safe for your child to be home on their own, and what you can do if they're too young. Read up here about it.

Getting advice and support

Family Lives is a charity that runs a free and confidential 24-hour helpline for parents and carers. Call 0808 800 2222 to speak to someone about any parenting issue you might have.

This Lambeth parent prospectus provides useful advice from safe sleeping and preventing accidents to free early learning and the importance of vitamin D. It was published in 2012 and the First Response Team number has changed to 0207 926 5555.