We use some essential cookies to make this website work.
We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.
We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.
You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.
You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.
Departments, agencies and public bodies
News stories, speeches, letters and notices
Detailed guidance, regulations and rules
Reports, analysis and official statistics
Consultations and strategy
Data, Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports
If you think a child or young person is at risk or being abused or neglected, contact the children’s social care team at their local council.
The law does not say an age when you can leave a child on their own, but it's an offence to leave a child alone if it puts them at risk
Tell the local authority if you're worried that a child is being neglected or abused - call 999 if they’re in immediate danger
You may need a child performance licence for any child taking part in a public performance, sporting event or modelling assignment
How to apply to have your child returned if they've been abducted, or arrange contact or enforce a court order in EU, Hague Convention and non-Hague Convention countries
You might be able to stop someone getting a passport by applying for a court order - parental child abduction, vulnerable adults
Referral forms for an allegation of serious misconduct by a teacher.
Forms to help child death overview panels (CDOPs) assess the causes of a child’s death as part of the child death review process.
Letter to get evidence that social services think your child has been abused or is at risk, if you're applying for legal aid.
Use this sample letter to get evidence that your partner abused a child, if you're applying for legal aid.
Use this letter to get evidence a partner has been cautioned by police for child abuse, if you're applying for legal aid.
Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.
To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. Please fill in this survey (opens in a new tab).