Is a child at risk?

There are a number of warning signs that could suggest that a child is being, or is at risk of being, sexually exploited. These include:

• Frequently going missing from home or school
• Going out late at night and not returning until morning
• Being picked up in cars by unknown adults
• A significantly older 'boyfriend' or 'friend'
• Unexplained money, mobile phone credit or a new mobile phone
• Changes in behaviour, for example becoming secretive or aggressive
• Increased use of mobile phones
• Involvement in criminal activity

Need our help?

If you are worried about a child who lives in Derby City:

If you believe that a child is at immediate risk and in need of protection then you should call the police on 999. Alternatively, for advice when the child is not in immediate need of protection, you can call the police on 0345 123 33 33.

Children's social care duty team will talk about any worries you may have about a child. From 9am to 5pm they can contacted on 01332 641172. At all other times your concerns can be discussed with Careline on 01332 711250.

You can also contact Safe & Sound Derby on 01332 362120 for more information on child sexual exploitation.

If you live elsewhere in the UK:

You can ring the Runaway Helpline on 0808 800 7070 for support. This is a 24-hour confidential helpline for runaways operated by the charity Missing People.
They offer help and advice to young people who have run away from home or care, or who have been forced to leave.

Contact the Runaway Helpline:
24-hour confidential freefone helpline: 0808 800 7070
Email: runaway@missingpeople.org.uk
Text: 80234

PLEASE, DO NOT KEEP YOUR CONCERNS TO YOURSELF