When to Use the Child-Friendly Complaints Process A child is anyone under the age of 18. The child-friendly complaints process should be used whenever a complaint is about a child or is being made by a child. This includes when: A child or young person makes a complaint themselves. An adult makes a complaint because a child has asked them to. An adult makes a complaint about something that has affected a child. Sometimes a child may have a responsible adult to help and support them through the complaints process. A responsible adult is someone who looks after the child or has responsibility for their care. This could be a parent, guardian, carer, or another trusted adult who has an important role in the child’s life. Who the responsible adult is will depend on what is best for the child and their individual circumstances. This includes who cares for them, who supports them, and what the complaint is about. When This Process Should Not Be Used This complaints process is not used if there are worries that a child may be at risk of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. If someone thinks a child is not safe, these concerns must be shared straight away with the police or social work so the child can get the help and protection they need. Full details of the process can be found here
