People urged to watch for signs of “hidden harm”

Communities in North Yorkshire are being urged to be alert to changes in children and young people which could suggest they are suffering “hidden harm” or abuse.

As more meeting places, clubs and venues open up as further COVID-19 restrictions are expected to be eased over the coming weeks, North Yorkshire’s Safeguarding Children Partnership (NYSCP) is asking people to be their eyes and ears in the community and report any concerns they might have for children.

Pressures on families arising from periods of social isolation during the pandemic have increased the risk of mental and physical harm to children and young people, but these signs of harm have been harder to detect, due to the lack of usual face-to-face interaction.

You can read more on this story on the North Yorkshire Safeguarding Children Partnership website.