What should I do?

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.

Heart of Birmingham (HoB)

  • Small Heath / Sparkbrook - 0121 303 2344
    Acocks Green, Bordesley Green, Moseley, Kings Heath, Nechells, South Yardley, Sparkbrook, Springfield.
  • Ladywood / Perry Barr - 0121 303 2334
    Ladywood, Aston, Bordesley Green, Harborne, Lozells, Handsworth Wood, Nechells, Soho, Washwood Heath.

South

  • Edgbaston / Northfield - 0121 303 1888
    Bartley Green, Edgbaston, Harborne, Kings Norton, Ladywood, Longbridge, Northfield, Quinton, Selly Oak, Sparkbrook, Weoley Castle, Kitwell, Frankley, Rubery, Rednal.
  • Selly Oak / Hall Green - 0121 303 5050
    Billesley, Bournville, Brandwood, Hall Green, Kings Norton, Moseley, Kings Heath, Northfield, Selly Oak, Sparkbrook, Springfield, Weoley Castle.

North and East

  • Erdington / Sutton - 0121 464 8022
    Erdington, Kingstanding, Oscott, Perry Barr, Stockland Green, Sutton Vesey, Sutton New Hall, Sutton Four Oaks (all of Sutton Coldfield), Kingsbury.
  • Yardley / Hodge Hill - 0121 303 6541
    Acocks Green, Bordesley Green, Hodge Hill, Shard End, Sheldon, South Yardley, Stechford, Yardley North, Washwood Heath.