Reporting a concern about a child

If you're concerned a child or young person is being harmed, neglected or is at risk, let us know.

Report immediate risk of significant harm

If a child or young person is in immediate danger, call the police on 999.

If a child you’re concerned about is at immediate risk of harm call our Children & Families Hub on 0345 603 7627 and ask for the priority line.

This number is open Monday to Thursday 8:45am to 5pm and Fridays 8:45am to 4:15pm.

For out-of-hours or bank holidays, contact our Emergency Duty Team:

Telephone: 0345 606 1212

Email: emergency.dutyteamoutofhours@essex.gov.uk

Request for support

If you’re concerned a child or young person is being harmed or neglected, or is at risk of this, you can request support from our Children and Families Hub.

To find out more about support and make a request, visit the Essex County Council website’s Report a concern about a child web page.

Consultation line

For advice and guidance, contact our ‘consultation line’ available through our Children and Families Hub.

Telephone: 0345 603 7627

Request for information

To request information about a child or young person use our Children and families request for information form.

This will also help partners who do not have access to GCSx email accounts.

Service guidance and support

For a high-level outline of the support and services you may need to speak to or access when you have a concern about a child download our Children and Families service map and key contacts document (PDF, 264KB)​.​