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Sometimes gentle help is all that's needed

Caring for children is rewarding and satisfying. It can also be demanding and difficult. Each day in Knowsley, children and families are helped with childcare problems ranging from serious illness, separation and somtimes because a child has been abused or neglected.

Health services, Police, Education and Social Services are all committed to assisting families at times of difficulty and helping parents provide proper care and protection for their children.

Whenever the health or welfare of a child is at risk for any reason, it is essential to seek help as quickly as possible. This way, problems can be solved before they become serious and harm can be avoided.

Parents may be frightened of asking for help in case their children are taken away. This is a natural but, in nearly all cases, a needless fear. All agencies in Knowsley are committed to helping parents to care for their children at home whenever possible.

If you or anyone you know needs protection because of child abuse or neglect, you can be assured that professional staff in Health services, Education Department, Knowsley Constabulary and Social Services will:

• Make the child's welfare their first priority
• Work in partnership with parents and take account of parents' and children's wishes
• Give informal help wherever possible and will only take legal action where there is no alternative for the protection of a child
• Give a confidential service that will respect the age, ethnicity, culture and religious background of all individuals
• Act according to agreed Knowsley Child Protection Committee policies and procedures (copies are available from Social Services, public libraries and Citizens Advice Bureaux).

Child protection means helping parents too

If you need help in providing care and safety for your child or if you believe a child is at risk because of abuse or neglect, contact your local Knowsley Social Service office or the Police. You can expect an understanding and positive response.

Knowsley Social Services contacts are as follows:

• Huyton Team 1 0151 443 5023
• Huyton Team 2 0151 443 5033
• Kirkby Team 0151 443 4239
• South Team (Halewood/Whiston) 0151 443 2114