Child Protection

Speciality Description

Child Protection (CP) refers to the processes involved in consideration, assessment and planning of required action, together with the actions themselves, where there are concerns that a child or young person may be at risk of harm.
CP procedures are initiated when police, social work or health professionals determine that a child (including unborn baby) or young person may have been abused or may be at risk of significant harm.

In line with national CP guidance, the protection of children and young people includes unborn babies, and children and young people under the age of 18 years.

While CP procedures may be considered for a person up to the age of 18 years, the legal boundaries of childhood and adulthood are variously defined and there are overlaps. If in any doubt, please seek advice from NHS Tayside’s Child Protection Team on 07817062977.

Please access the Information for medical staff including General Practice section of the CP Staffnet page for referral guidance and advice, including flowcharts and referral forms for the following local authority areas:

If a child is at risk of immediate significant harm, contact Police Scotland on 999.

Child Protection Telephone Advice Line (Monday to Friday 09:00 to 16:30, excluding NHS public holidays): 07817062977.
Daytime On Call Rota for Child Protection Paediatricians
Out of hours, please contact on-call Paediatrician via Ninewells Switchboard: 01382 660111.
Child Protection Staffnet page including section on Information for Medical Staff including General Practice
NHS Tayside Child Protection Policy
National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland 2021