Child Protection

Working Together to Keep Children Safe

Every child deserves to grow up safe, loved and supported.
Sometimes people become worried that a child may not be safe or may be experiencing harm. When this happens, Children's Services and partner agencies work together with children and families to understand what is happening and identify what help, support or protection may be needed.
Our aim is always to work openly and respectfully with families, listening to children and focusing on what needs to happen to make life safer and better for them.

What is Child Protection?

Child protection is part of safeguarding. It focuses on children who may be experiencing, or are at risk of experiencing, significant harm.
This may include concerns about:
  • Physical abuse
  • Emotional abuse
  • Sexual abuse
  • Neglect
  • Domestic abuse
  • Exploitation
  • Online harm
When concerns are identified, Children's Services work with families and partner agencies to understand risks, build on strengths and help keep children safe.

What Happens if Children's Services Become Involved?

If concerns are raised about a child, a social worker may contact the family to gather information and understand what life is like for the child.
Where there are concerns that a child may be at risk of significant harm, Children's Services may carry out a Child Protection Enquiry.
The purpose of the enquiry is to understand the child's experiences, identify strengths and risks, and decide what help, support or protection may be needed.

Children's Voice and Participation

Children and young people have the right to be listened to and involved in decisions that affect their lives.
There are many ways for children to share their views, including talking to professionals, completing written contributions, using creative activities or receiving support from an advocate.
What matters most is that children's views, wishes and feelings are heard and considered.

Independent Advocacy

Children and young people may be entitled to support from an independent advocate.
An advocate can help children and young people:
  • Understand their rights
  • Share their views and wishes
  • Prepare for meetings
  • Ask questions
  • Challenge decisions
  • Ensure their voice is heard

Coram Voice

Coram Voice provides independent advocacy and children's rights support for eligible children and young people in Cheshire East.
Freephone: 0808 800 5792
Text or WhatsApp: 07758 670369
Email: help@coramvoice.org.uk

Child Protection Conferences

Sometimes concerns identified during a Child Protection Enquiry lead to an Initial Child Protection Conference.
This is a meeting where family members and professionals come together to consider:
  • What people are worried about
  • What is working well
  • What needs to happen next
  • Whether a Child Protection Plan is needed
Children and young people should be supported to participate in a way that works best for them.
Find out more:

Child Protection Plans

Sometimes a Child Protection Conference decides that a Child Protection Plan is needed.
A Child Protection Plan sets out:
  • The concerns that need to be addressed
  • The strengths within the family
  • The changes that need to happen
  • The support that will be provided
  • How everyone will work together to improve safety for the child
The focus is always on helping children experience safer, more stable and positive day-to-day lives.

Working Together

Keeping children safe is a shared responsibility.
We are committed to working openly and respectfully with children, young people and families, recognising strengths, listening to different perspectives and keeping the child's safety and wellbeing at the centre of decision-making.

Worried About a Child?

If a child is in immediate danger, call 999.
If you are worried about a child's safety or wellbeing, contact:
Together for Families Team
0300 123 5012
Emergency Duty Team (Out of Hours)
0300 123 5022
If you are worried about a child, do not assume someone else will act. Sharing concerns early can help children receive the support and protection they need.

Page last reviewed: 02 October 2026

Contact details

Together for Families Team

0300 123 5012 (Option 3)

0300 123 5022 – Emergency Duty Team (Out of Hours)

Also in this section

What is child abuse