About RCPCH Child Protection Portal

This website is your essential and evidence-based resource on child protection and safeguarding. It is for for child health professionals allied health professionals, social workers, solicitors and barristers. Some content is open access; our Child Protection Companion and the forthcoming 'Purple Book' are available under login for most RCPCH members.

Resources on this website

Resources include the Child Protection Companion (subscription access only) and Child Protection Evidence systematic reviews.

Further resources and standards cover child protection processes across the whole range of medical and social interactions, including research, guidance, publications and standards applicable to all four UK devolved nations and internationally.

We also introduce educational opportunities in safeguarding, both face-to-face or online courses and eLearning.

We provide information about safeguarding legislation across the UK and how we advocate for children and young people.

Subscription options

Most RCPCH members have access to secure content on this website, including the Child Protection Companion, and can log in via their RCPCH online account. Other individuals in relevant professions may apply for Associate or Affiliate membership. Other subscription options for organisations may also be available.

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RCPCH child protection committees

Our committees are responsible for championing the safeguarding agenda for children and young people, and advising on matters relating to child protection.

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Key statistics

48% of children on child protection plans are on them because of neglect

1 in 5 children have experienced severe maltreatment

90% of Trusts, Health Boards and CCGs in England, Wales and Scotland have lead roles for safeguarding

1 in 3 children sexually abused by an adult didn’t tell anyone at the time

For more information on these figures, see RCPCH State of Child Health 2020 – Children in the child protection system and RCPCH Workforce census: Focus on vulnerable children and families paediatric workforce (2020).