Very few adults harm children deliberately and most often, when harm does happen, families need support, not punishment or the removal of their children.

Many myths exist, so for the record:

• Parents are responsible for their children's safety.
• Children's Social Services become involved once concern is shared.
• Decisions about abuse need careful assessment.
• Children are best cared for by their own families.
• Professionals want to work in partnership with families.
• Very few children are removed from home following abuse.

Birmingham social workers and other professionals get involved when parents may be unable to protect their child from harm and need some help. In some cases Birmingham Police Child Protection Units will investigate with social workers to help protect children and decide whether an offence has been committed against a child.

If you have concerns regarding a child please contact the office covering the area where the child lives (please see below).

Birmingham Children, Young People and Families Directorate

Outside normal office hours, please contact the Emergency Duty Team on 0121 675 4806.

Please note it is not possible to list specific addresses covered by each office so where areas are covered by more than one office your call may be re-directed.

West and Central Birmingham

• 0121 303 4362
  Aston, Handsworth Wood, Ladywood, Lozells and East Handsworth, Oscott, Nechells, Perry Barr

North Birmingham

• 0121 464 8022
  Erdington, Kingstanding, Stockland Green, Sutton Four Oaks, Sutton New Hall, Sutton Trinity, Sutton Vesey, Tyburn

South Birmingham

• 0121 303 1888
  Bartley Green, Billesley, Bournville, Brandwood, Edgbaston, Harborne, Kings Norton, Longbridge, Northfield, Quinton, Selly Oak, Weoley

East Birmingham

• 0121 303 6541
  Acocks Green, Bordesley Green, Hall Green, Hodge Hill, Moseley & Kings Heath, Shard End, Sheldon, South Yardley, Sparkbrook, Springfield, Stechford & Yardley North, Washwood Heath