LADO stands for ‘Local Authority Designated Officer’. This means that the Council has to employ a person whose job it is to ensure children are safe. This person will make sure that if a child raises an allegation of harm against someone in a position of trust, (professional or volunteer), they are able to get help and be safe.
Why we need a LADO
LADOs are needed when a professional adult does something wrong to a child when they are working. An example would be if a child or young person shares that they have been harmed by a person in a position of trust. If you feel uncomfortable in a situation, then you must tell a trusted adult.
What to do if you have a concern
First things first! Talk to a trusted adult – this could be, for example, a family member, a teacher, or a sports coach. This adult will then notify the LADO of your situation if they feel we need to know.
They may also try and help you to make things better – not every situation needs a LADO involved. There are 4 LADOs in Devon and your trusted adult will make sure that the LADO team is told about your allegation or concern.
The LADO does not investigate, instead they support any investigation of harm against a child or young person. Once they have done this, they will work with other professionals to solve the issue.
What happens next
You will be supported by the person who you have trusted with your concerns or allegation. There may be an investigation into what you have shared and someone you know and trust may talk to you about the allegation you have shared and write information down about it.
The police or other professionals may also be asked for their view and become involved. Finally, you will be told what happens in the end.
Remember, you can ask questions to your trusted adult at anytime.
Glossary (what do these words mean)
- Allegation – a claim that someone has done something illegal or wrong.
- Council – local government. Elected group of people for Devon.
- Designated – someone who is picked for a job.
- Investigation – this is where someone looks into all the information to understand what happened.
- Position of trust – a legal term and is what we call some people and places where an adult has regular and direct contact with children.
- Professional – someone who needs special training for their job (for example, a teacher).
If you would like to download and print a leaflet version of this information for use offline, you can do so here: Download and print LADO guidance for young people.