Neglect

What is Neglect Neglect is not a single incident but rather an absence of appropriate care often over a long period of time. Neglect can be summed up as a failure of provision and a failure of supervision by a parent/carer. Working Together to Safeguard Children 2015 defines neglect as a parent/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; Ensure adequate supervision (including the use of inadequate care-givers); or Ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment

How big an issue is Neglect 1.What percentage of children in England and Wales are the subject of a child protection plan because of Neglect? 2. In what percentage of serious case reviews is neglect a factor? In Reading the percentage of children subject to a protection plan has routinely been over 50% for the last 3 years. 32% 43% 61% 45% 60% 30%

Short and Long Term Effects Neglect causes great distress to children and leads to poor outcomes in the short and long term. Short Term Effects Difficulty in establishing friendships / few friends Withdrawn Lack of confidence Lack of trust Bullying Persistent illness or infections Persistent nappy rash Under / over weight

Short and Long Term Effects Long Term Effects Emotional difficulties such as anger, anxiety, sadness or low self-esteem Mental health problems such as depression, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), self harm, suicidal thoughts Problems with drugs or alcohol Disturbing thoughts, emotions and memories that cause distress or confusion Poor physical health such as obesity, aches and pains Failing to thrive, not meeting developmental milestones Struggling with parenting or relationships Worrying that their abuser is still a threat to themselves or others Difficulties in learning, lower educational attainment, difficulties in communicating Behavioural problems including anti-social behaviour, criminal behaviour

Recognition of Neglect A number of factors are commonly present in the lives of children and young people experiencing Neglect. These factors can provide an early indication of the potential for neglectful care of a child: Health – Both Mental and Disability Substance Misuse Domestic Violence Poverty – In Work and Out of Work

Things you may see in parents Attributes of Neglectful Parents: Inability to plan Lack of confidence about the future Difficulty in managing money Emotional immaturity Lack of knowledge of child’s needs Large number of children Teenage parents High stress levels

Things you may see in a child Poor appearance and hygiene: Be smelly or dirty Have unwashed clothes Have inadequate clothing e.g. not having a winter coat Seem hungry or turn up to school without having breakfast or any lunch money Have frequent and untreated nappy rash in infants Poor dental care, in particular in younger children

Things you may see in a child Health and Development problems: Untreated injuries, medical and dental issues Repeated accidental injuries caused by lack of supervision Recurring illness or infections Not been given required medicines or immunisations Poor muscle tone or prominent joints Head lice, skin sores, flea bites, scabies or ringworm Tiredness Faltering weight or growth and not reaching developmental milestones Poor language, communication or social skills

What Neglect looks like for the child Behavioural Signs: Passive baby Constant hunger Constant tiredness Frequent lateness or non-attendance at school Destructive tendencies Low self esteem Neurotic behaviour Demanding attention seeking behaviour Running away Compulsive stealing or scavenging No social relationships

What Neglect looks like for the child Physical signs: Poor personal hygiene Poor state of clothing Emaciation, pot belly short stature Poor skin and hair tone Untreated medical conditions

LSCB Thresholds Reading LSCB Threshold Guidance: This guidance describes the threshold of need and intervention and is a vital tool for professionals and service users. This guidance provides definitions and indicators for practitioners to assist in the identification of levels of need for children and young people. No additional needs Level 1 Children with no identified additional needs will have their health and developmental needs met by universal services. Additional needs Level 2 Some children will have additional needs, they may be showing early signs of abuse and / or neglect and their needs may not be clear, unknown or unmet. Complex and multiple needs Level 3 The children are unlikely to achieve or maintain a satisfactory level of health or development, or their health or development will be significantly impaired, without the provision of services; or children who are disabled. They may require longer term intervention from statutory, specialist or integrated targeted services. Acute Needs Level 4 These are children who are suffering, or are likely to suffer, significant harm and this is the threshold for child protection enquiries. Level of Need

MASH OR Early Help? Level 2 support required then use the Early Help Contact form: Level intervention required then go to MASH: Tel:

Further Information: We have produced a guide to help professionals to identify and respond to neglect in families. This can be found, along with other useful information, on the LSCB website: