Every Child Deserves to Be Heard, Protected & Supported

 The A Child’s Voice® Model is a child-centred early intervention and prevention programme, developed over 45 years and informed by the experiences of children, schools, social workers and mental health professionals. It provides structured support to help children express their thoughts, feelings and experiences while prioritising their safety, wellbeing and protection.

When a child or young person discloses abuse, expresses suicidal thoughts, engages in self-harm or is considered at immediate risk, their safety must always come first.

A Child’s Voice® supports professionals to recognise concerns, listen without judgement, follow safeguarding procedures and take appropriate action to protect children and young people.

If a child is in immediate danger or requires urgent medical assistance, call 999. If a child may be at risk of significant harm, contact the relevant local authority children's social care service. Follow your organisation's safeguarding procedures and contact the designated safeguarding lead (DSL) or safeguarding lead without delay. Do not wait for an intervention programme or routine referral where urgent action is required.

• Listen and reassure – give the child time to speak, take their concerns seriously and avoid asking leading questions.
• Never promise secrecy – explain sensitively that information may need to be shared to keep them safe.
• Record concerns accurately – document the child's words, relevant observations, dates, times and actions taken.
• Report and refer promptly – follow your setting's safeguarding policy and the appropriate local authority referral procedures.
• Respond to self-harm and suicide risk – take disclosures seriously and arrange appropriate urgent assessment and support.
• Share information appropriately – communicate relevant safeguarding information with the professionals responsible for protecting the child.
• Maintain professional boundaries – A Child’s Voice® complements statutory safeguarding arrangements and does not replace emergency services, clinical assessment or children's social care.

A Child’s Voice® places children's safety, dignity and right to be heard at the centre of its work. The Model provides structured tools to support early identification of concerns, emotional expression, protective factors and appropriate onward referral.

Our approach is designed to complement professional safeguarding practice, including multi-agency working and the relevant statutory guidance in England.

• Immediate danger or medical emergency: 999
• Non-emergency police assistance: 101
• NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000 — for adults concerned about a child's safety.
• Childline: 0800 1111 — for children and young people seeking help.
• Local safeguarding support: Contact your local authority children's social care service or safeguarding partnership.

These contacts do not replace your organisation's safeguarding procedures or the need to make an immediate referral where a child is at risk.

Our commitment is to promote early intervention, strengthen safeguarding practice and help ensure that children and young people receive the right support at the right time.