Reporting a child at risk in Spain

Key rules

• Duty to report: Anyone who knows of a child at risk must tell the authorities, and professionals who work with children have a stricter duty.
• Emergency: If a child is in immediate danger, call 112 straight away.
• Helpline: The 116 111 helpline is free, confidential and open 24 hours a day, every day, for children and for adults worried about a child.
• Good faith: Reporting in good faith protects you, but a knowingly false report can bring criminal liability.

You must act if you suspect a child is at risk

Anyone who knows of a child at risk must tell the authorities. People who work with children, such as teachers, health staff, social workers and sports or leisure staff, have a stricter duty. You do not need proof. A reasonable worry is enough to raise it with the right channel.

Pick the channel by how urgent it is

Emergency. If the child is in immediate danger, call 112. You can also call 091 (National Police) or 062 (Guardia Civil). Do not wait to be sure.

Not urgent, but worrying. Contact the servicios sociales in the child's town. Their local centre receives reports and assesses the risk. You can also go to the regional child protection body.

Abandonment, violence or a possible crime. Report it to the Fiscalía de Menores, the police or a court. You can file a complaint at a police station.

You want advice first. Call 116 111. It is free, confidential and open 24 hours a day, every day, for children and for adults worried about a child. Adults can also call 900 20 20 10, the line for families and educators. Psychologists and other professionals there will advise you. If the risk is serious, they can alert the police, social services or the Fiscalía.

Check which region the child lives in

Child protection is run by each region, so the body that handles the case depends on where the child lives. Each region has its own department for social services or families. In the Basque Country, the three provincial councils run it. Ceuta and Melilla use their city governments. Your local servicios sociales will pass the case to the right body, so you do not need to find it first.

Your name and what happens after

You can usually report without giving your name, for example through a helpline or by telling servicios sociales. Authorities must keep a reporter's identity confidential. If you report in good faith, you are protected, even if it turns out there was no problem. A knowingly false report can lead to criminal liability. If a case reaches court, you may be asked to give evidence. An anonymous report also carries less weight than one with your name.

If you work with children

Staff in schools, health services, social services, sport and leisure must report what they learn through their job to the authorities, the child protection service or the Fiscalía. Failing to do so can lead to disciplinary or administrative consequences. Regional notification forms exist, for example in health and education. Ask your centre's protection coordinator which one to use.

While you wait

Give the child any immediate help they need, then follow the checklist below.

Checklist

• Call 112 straight away if the child is in immediate danger, or 091 (National Police) or 062 (Guardia Civil).

• Contact your municipal servicios sociales (social services) if the worry is not urgent, so they can assess the risk.

• Find out which region the child lives in, because that region's child protection body handles the case.

• Call 900 20 20 10, the ANAR line for families and educators, if you want advice before reporting.

• Choose whether to give your name or stay anonymous before you report.

• Give the child any immediate help they need while you wait for the authorities.

What to watch out for

• Waiting when a child is in danger: Using a slow channel for an emergency can leave a child unprotected. Call 112, 091 or 062 at once. Use social services only for non-urgent concerns.

• Doing nothing: Anyone who knows of a child at risk must tell the authorities. Staying silent is not an option, and knowing of abandonment or violence makes it more serious. Report to servicios sociales, the Fiscalía or the police, even if you are unsure of the details.

• Stricter duty for professionals: Teachers, health staff, social workers and others who work with children have a stricter duty. Failing to report can lead to administrative or disciplinary action. Report to the child protection service or the Fiscalía and follow your workplace protocol.

• False reports: A report you know is false can lead to criminal liability for false accusation or slander. Anonymous reports also carry less weight. Report only what you honestly believe, and give your details if you can.

• Confidentiality has limits: Your identity is protected, but a court may ask for your name or testimony in a criminal case. Ask the helpline or social services how your details will be handled before you give them.

Frequently asked questions

Can I report a child at risk without giving my name?

Yes, you can usually report anonymously, for example by calling a helpline or telling social services. Authorities must keep your identity confidential and protect people who report in good faith. If the case becomes a criminal complaint, a court may still ask for your name or testimony.

Could I get in trouble for reporting if I turn out to be wrong?

No, a report made in good faith does not make you liable.

Which authority handles child protection where I live?

Child protection is run by the region where the child lives, usually through its social services or family department. In Madrid it is the Dirección General de Infancia, and in the Basque Country the three provincial councils. Ceuta and Melilla use their city governments. Your local servicios sociales centre can receive the report and pass it on.

Which helpline can I call as an adult for advice about a child?

You can call the ANAR Foundation's free, confidential line for families and educators on 900 20 20 10.