Alex's Answer

Hi there and welcome to Ask Alex. Thank you for contacting us today. We appreciate you trusting us with your question.

 

You asked how to get in touch with an emergency social worker outside of office hours when the Gardaí are not helping. Firstly, we’re truly sorry that you’re experiencing this. You have the right to help and to feel supported in every way possible.

 

You mentioned that the Gardaí are not helping; however, if you have an immediate concern about a child’s safety, it is paramount that you contact your local Garda station for support immediately.

 

Alternatively, if you wish to make a report, you can contact the out-of-hours social work service on 0818 776 315 between 6:00pm and 6:00am every night and between 9:00am and 5:00pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.

 

You have the right to make a complaint if you feel you have not been supported by the Gardaí. There are many ways in which you can do so:

– By phone on 1890 600 800

– In writing to 150 Upper Abbey Street, Dublin 1, D01 FT73

– By fax 01 814 70 23

– Online, by filling out this form

– In person at the Garda Ombudsman Commission’s head office (150 Abbey Street Upper)

– At your local Garda station – if you go to the Garda station, make sure you talk to the Chief Superintendent in charge.

 

You can find further information about this on spunout.ie/life/your-rights/complaint-about-gardai](https://spunout.ie/life/your-rights/complaint-about-gardai).

 

Do you have a trusted adult in your life who could support you with this? This might be another parent, an aunt, uncle, or grandparent. You have the right to feel safe and supported.

 

If you would like to have a chat about how you’re feeling, you can always contact us here at Childline, by clicking on the Live Chat button on this website, or giving us a call on 1800 66 66 66. You can talk about anything you want to, and we are here to listen to whatever you would like to say. We are open 24/7 for young people 18 years and younger. Your chat or call is anonymous, so we don’t see your phone number and we don’t see you IP address. It is a safe space for you to talk about anything at anytime.

 

Take care of yourself,

Alex