Protection for children is just a phone call away

A Scotland-wide campaign urging people to speak out and help stop the abuse or neglect of young people was launched by Children’s Minister Adam Ingram today.

The drive to encourage people to help protect vulnerable children by reporting their concerns through a national phone line - 0800 022 3222 - has been unveiled by the Scottish Government.

Announcing the campaign to raise awareness, Mr Ingram said:
“I believe that child protection is everybody’s business. No young person should have to suffer abuse or maltreatment as they grow up and we must all play our part in stopping it.

“It’s not always obvious when a child is being neglected or cruelly treated and we know how hard it can be for them to speak up.

“But whether people are relatives, friends, neighbours or just passers-by, they can make a difference if they raise their concerns. People might be worried about a child with unexplained bruising, a fear of going home, or who is seen wandering the streets late into the night.

“We all have a duty to look out for our young people and this phone line provides an easy and accessible gateway to the child protection services.”