The impact of neglect on children and young people is enormous, yet it can be difficult to define and research shows that it often co-exists with other forms of abuse and adversity. It is also the most common reason for child protection plans in the UK. Neglect can be a catalyst to future vulnerabilities for young people, for some who have experienced neglect there are additional risks of harm as they grow up.
The CHSCB has identified this issue as an area of priority with key learning arising from two multi-agency case reviews concerning children who had been chronically neglected. The learning from both Child E and Child K is available here. Key themes include:
– that children should be seen, heard and helped, with the importance of conducting home visits and seeing children in different environments
– professionals need to identify and name Neglect as a potential concern.
– when working across children and adult services remembering to “Think Family”
– the additional vulnerability of children with disabilities.
– the duty to respond and escalate concerns.
– the importance of information sharing.