Neglect

Neglect is characterised by the absence of a relationship of care between the parent or carer and the child. It can occur at any stage of childhood, including in teenage years. Neglect may occur during pregnancy such as a result of parental substance misuse.

Nationally, neglect is noted as a risk factor in 60% of all serious case reviews and is the most common reason nationally for taking child protection action.

Neglect is defined as

The persistent failure to meet a child’s physical and or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of the child’s health or development.

Neglect may involve a parent or carer failing to –

• provide adequate food, clothing and shelter (including exclusion from home or abandonment)
• protect a child from physical and emotional harm or danger
• make sure adequate supervision
• make sure access to appropriate medical care or treatment

It may also include neglect of, or unresponsiveness to, a child’s basic emotional needs.

Neglect tools

The Neglect Observation Tool and Guidance has been designed for use by any member of the workforce across Hull, from those who may have infrequent contact with children, or their parents or carers, to those who may have regular contact to help identify and record signs and symptoms of neglect.

HSCP Neglect Guidance

Neglect Assessment Framework
This framework has been developed to assist professionals in identifying and assessing neglect, and to inform planning where there are concerns that the quality of the care of a child or young person suggests that their needs are being neglected. It can be used to help inform an early help assessment or children’s social care single assessment and as a tool for supervision and reflective discussion.

Hull Neglect Toolkit