Social Services
Social Work and Social Care Services have a duty under law to safeguard and promote the welfare and safety of children and adults at risk
These services are known by different terms across the 4 UK nations and are administered at a local level by the Local Authority. They have the responsibility to investigate any concerns and coordinate any response.
Many teams operate out of hours cover for emergencies known as Emergency Duty Teams (EDT) (or Regional Emergency Social Work Service (RESWS) in Northern Ireland) who will respond outside regular office hours, at weekends and over statutory holidays.
How to make contact:
England Children’s Social Care Teams:
https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council
Reporting Child Abuse in England:
https://www.gov.uk/report-child-abuse-to-local-council
Adult Social Work Teams:
Find your local Adult Social Work Team:
Reporting Abuse in Northern Ireland:
Health and Social Care Trust (HSCT) Gateway Services:
Health and Social Care trusts | nidirect
Child Protection:
Reporting child abuse and neglect | nidirect
Adult Protection:
Report adult abuse or exploitation.nidirect
Wherever you live in Northern Ireland, Out of Hours Social Workers can be contacted through one central telephone number: Tel: (028) 0800 197 9995
Children’s Social Work Teams:
Find your local Children's Social Work Team:
Reporting Child Abuse in Scotland:
Adult Social Work Teams:
Find your local Adult Social Work Team:
Regional Safeguarding Boards:
Children’s Social Services:
Adult Social Services:
Page last updated: 17 November 2025