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Spurgeons and Dad.Info doesn’t investigate reports of abuse or neglect. But below, you can find advice on who to contact if you have concerns about a child or young person.
Reporting a concern
It can be difficult to know what to do if you think a child is at risk. It’s important to remember that if you’ve spotted things that don’t seem right, others will have too. Speaking up can make sure that child gets help as soon as possible.
The sooner you contact your local children’s social care duty team, the quicker they can act. They’re available 24 hours a day, and can make an anonymous report if that feels safer. If a child is in immediate danger, please call the police straight away by dialling 999.
Report child abuse or neglect to your local council
Use these links to get in touch with your local council:
My 11 year old daughter asked if she could have counselling.
it’s taken a month or so to put together a list of suitable and available counsellors and my daughter has made a choice as to who she would like to see.
ex has been communicated with throughout the process of moving this forwards and appeared to be in support.
needless to say, first appointment is Monday, ex has said she does not give permission for daughter to attend.
my question is - if I’ve given permission (I have PR), and my daughter understands and wants therapy, do both parents have to give their consent?
hi, could you contact the therapist and ask if both parents consent is needed?
Thank you.
the counsellor is happy to see my daughter.
my daughter is 12 and has been determined as gillick competent (able to make the choice for herself).
so with her choice and my pr permission I’m confident we have done the right thing and progressed with therapy.
not looking forward to the fallout but able to cope with whatever comes and my daughter has the counselling she wants
Sorry 12 in August but still gillivk competent : )
If you have PR for your daughter and you've given permission for her to attend counselling, legally, you can proceed with the therapy sessions without requiring consent from the other parent. Parental Responsibility generally gives you the authority to make decisions about your child's welfare, including healthcare and therapy, unless there are specific court orders or agreements stating otherwise. It's important to prioritise your daughter's well-being and continue supporting her in accessing the help she needs. If there are ongoing disputes with your ex-spouse, it may be helpful to seek legal advice to ensure your rights and your daughter's best interests are protected.
thank you Kate.
daughter is seeing counsellor and is doing well.
We’ve been through the mill and (fingers crossed) are just riding out a bit of turbulence.
court is ongoing, despite a s91 (14)…she’s a serial litigator and not scared to take on the system through appeal after appeal.
Lots of stern words from Judges, yet still it persists.
its been a real roller coaster and who knows when it’ll come to an end.