This page discusses possible ways to get support if you believe a child, a young person or a family with children is at risk or vulnerable – either if help is needed immediately or if the person may need support for a longer period of time.

(Don’t forget that our other Helpful Topics on this website could also help guide you with general information that applies to all age groups, for example advice on receiving healthcare or accessing benefits.)

1. If a child, young person or family is at immediate risk 

Call emergency services

If you feel a child, young person or a family is in immediate danger you should call emergency services on 112. You can ask to speak to an operator in English as well as Spanish and other languages.

Domestic abuse / emotional or physical violence against women

If the problem or question could be related to domestic abuse or physical or emotional violence against women, you can also call in confidence the 24-hour national helpline on 016 from inside Spain. The operators can provide urgent advice and also longer-term advice. Information is treated in confidence and calls can be answered in Spanish, English and several other languages. Click on this link to find out more about this service and how you can also contact them via WhatsApp.

Alternatively, by clicking on this link, you can see local suggestions of groups offering support related to gender violence (enter the town where you live to narrow your search to groups that are based in your area or which cover your area).

Spanish childline (ANAR)

For confidential support for people under 18, see more information from our directory for the ANAR service, the Spanish equivalent of Childline; click here.  Calls can normally be taken in English as well as Spanish. The service is confidential and is available for young people to talk or chat about issues concerning them at home, school or elsewhere. There is also a separate number for adults to call for advice on a young person. A chat service is also available.

Spanish Social Services based at your local town hall/council building

Social workers, based in the town halls’ Social Services departments, are trained to help children, young people and families. If you have a concern about support, benefits or other welfare requirement, contact the town hall covering the area where the person at risk lives. See this link here to help you find the local town hall contact details (enter the town where they live to narrow your search to that area).

Many town hall Social Services departments can help in English or offer a translator, particularly if there are a large number of foreign residents or tourists in the area. However, if you do not speak Spanish, in some cases you will need to take a translator. Click here for voluntary and public organisations that may be able to help you with translation or put you in contact with a translator.  (Enter the town where you live to narrow your search to groups that are based in your area or which cover your area).

Local council Social Services are the primary point of contact in a municipality in terms of protection of a child living in their geographic area, although they may receive support from other parts of government or share services with neighbouring areas. (Social Services = servicios sociales / Social worker = trabajador social).

2. Longer-term Support

Organisations covering your area

Click here for organisations in your area that can offer local support and advice for families, children or young people. The list includes the local town halls and other local non-profit organisations. (Enter the town where you live to narrow your search to groups that are based in your area or which cover your area).

Help from voluntary or official groups could include physical aid, such as food or clothing or accessing financial benefits, or longer-term emotional support. See each organisation’s description and contact them directly for full details of what they can offer and based on your own circumstances.

Financial or welfare benefits for families

For advice on financial or other benefits that you, (or the person affected), may be entitled to if you/they live in Spain and are a UK citizen, click here for more information on Spanish benefits. Applying for any State or local benefits you could be entitled to may be a long process, so enquire as soon as possible, even if you are unsure of your future plans.

Typically, additional benefits from the Spanish authorities that could be available include; for larger families, or family members with special needs or a recognised level of disability (either adult or the child) or; for low earners or younger mothers – access to the Minimum Living Wage for younger parents with children or caring for younger children. Benefits are generally means tested in Spain. Many regional authorities or local councils also offer to their local populations other types of financial or non-financial aid for families.

Your local town hall Social Services department is the main advice point for asking about benefits from the Spanish authorities if a child, young person or family is at risk because of their personal circumstances.

Click here for voluntary and public organisations that may be able to help you with translation or put you in contact with a translator if needed.  (Enter the town where you live to narrow your search to groups that are based in your area or which cover your area).

(Don’t forget that our other Helpful Topics on this website could also help guide you with general information that applies to all age groups, for example advice on receiving healthcare or accessing benefits.)