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Essex Safeguarding Children Board

Raise a safeguarding concern/request for support

Request support or raise a concern for a child

The Essex Safeguarding Children Board is not an operational team and cannot take referrals, access information or provide any other information about children and families in Essex. To raise a request or report a concern please follow the instructions below.

For those working or volunteering with children and families:

  • First, please ensure you are requesting the correct level of support.
  • If you have an immediate safeguarding concern call 0345 603 7627 and ask for the priority line. This phone line is open Monday to Thursday 9am to 5:30pm, and Fridays 9am to 4:30pm.
  • Out of hours or bank holidays, call the emergency duty team on 0345 606 1212.
  • You can also report a level 3 or 4 concern using the online Request for Support form on the Essex County Council website. (You can find out how to make an effective request for support at the bottom of this page.)

The Children and Families Hub continue to offer a consultation line for professionals providing advice and guidance. This can be accessed by calling 0345 603 7627 and asking for the 'Consultation Line'.

For members of the public:

  • If a child or young person is in immediate danger, call 999.
  • If you're worried that a child is being abused or neglected, call the Children and Families Hub on 0345 603 7627.This phone line is open Monday to Thursday 9am to 5:30pm, and Fridays 9am to 4:30pm.
  • Out of hours or bank holidays, call the emergency duty team on 0345 606 1212.

It's quicker for you to get in touch with the Children and Families Hub on the phone, but you can fill in the online Request for Support form available on the Essex County Council website if you prefer. (Help on filling out the form can also be found on this page.)

Other organisations can also help if your concern relates to:

Request information about a child - To request information that we hold about someone you hold legal responsibility for, visit the request information page.

Guide for professionals