It is important that we are all involved in the protection of minors who may be at risk, whether it is abuse or any type of abuse, helplessness, or children who are not being treated as they should.
The ANAR Foundation (Help to children and adolescents at risk) has published a decalogue where it tells us what to do to rescue a child at risk, homelessness or abuse.
Immediate help must be provided
They explain from the telephone of the child of ANAR that they receive a daily average of 1,200 calls. Of them, at least three cases are very serious and the intervention of Police or Civil Guard or social services is necessary.
Therefore, it is very important not to let your guard down and know how to act when we suspect or have information that a child is at risk or homeless and what resources exist, especially in cases of young children (0-9 years old) ), who still can't ask for help directly.
In Babies and more Children, what we should protect the most: main keys to the future law against violence in childhood Among other recommendations, Fundación ANAR urges to act urgently and not wait, since "The first hours can be decisive to save a child's life or avoid exposure to a new situation of abuse."
Benjamín Ballesteros, director of programs of this foundation, also recalls the legal obligation that exists not to be inhibited in cases of this type:
"Every adult who knows a situation of risk to a minor is required by law to transfer to the competent authorities, in addition to providing immediate assistance."
Decalogue of action of the ANAR Foundation
1. If you suspect, call us. If you think you know any situation in which a minor may be in distress, risk or emergency, your collaboration is essential. Call 600 50 51 52.
2. Don't be afraid to tell. The ANAR Chat and Telephone are totally anonymous and confidential and are attended by a team of professionals (counselors, psychologists, and social workers) specialized in childhood.
3. Do not wait. The first hours can be decisive to save a child's life or avoid exposure to a new situation of abuse.
4. Collect information. It is necessary that you can collect all the information that allows us to identify the real risk in which the child is and, if necessary, be able to transfer it to the competent bodies and act as soon as possible.
5. Remember that each case is unique. Describe as best you can the situation suffered by the minor. This information is crucial to identify the emergency and the specific risk.
6. In case of imminent danger urgently call the Security Forces, Autonomous Police or 112.
7. If the minor is with you and safe ask for help immediately. Be aware of the danger you are in and do not expose him to return to his assailant.
In Babies and more Children, silent victims of gender violence8. Legal obligation to act. Any adult who knows that a child is at risk is required by law to transfer to the competent authorities, in addition to providing immediate assistance.
9. If the minor is in the street, get it to remain in a public place (cafeteria, shop, library ...) until the police arrive.
10. Try to put yourself in your skin. Think that if you are an adult and you are afraid to intervene for possible reprisals, imagine how a boy or a girl can feel, which is much more vulnerable.
And I would add, if it happened to me, be patient with the child and offer all the love and support we can while the help arrives. Let him see that there are adults who care about him and show him that things can and will improve.
How do you intervene in a child risk call?
As explained by the Anar Foundation, there are three levels of action before a call to 900 20 20 10 (telephone of the minor or adolescent) or at 600 50 51 52 (family phone and school centers):
1. Psychological orientation. Psychological guidance is offered and is sought jointly with the minor or the adult who calls a solution to the problem, relying on the environment and reference figures (parents, grandparents, rest of the family, teachers ...).
2. Referral. When it is not possible or convenient to solve the problem without the intervention of an agency, entity or professional. In these cases, in addition to providing the necessary guidance, it will refer to the social, educational, health, police and / or legal resources from each case.
3. Intervention. In situations of serious risk where the minor lacks a reference adult who can or wants to help him or when, even if there is no serious risk, the minor does not have sufficient capacity to go on his own to the resource he needs . In these cases, the situation is transferred to the relevant agencies or authorities and the case is monitored.
In my own person, I hope not to have to see a child in trouble in a nearby environment but I am sure that if I witness him, I will not hesitate for a moment. I may not be able to intervene directly with the child, but I can get in touch with the Police, Social Services or even with the ANAR telephone as soon as possible, so they can protect and study if my suspicions are true.
Don't you think that when it comes to children it is better to 'prevent than cure', as the saying goes?
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