Neglect is the most commonly occurring primary form of abuse. By primary, we mean the main concern. Given that emotional abuse is always present, that is obviously the most common, but often the emotional abuse is secondary to another form; in other words, the emotional harm results from the neglect or abuse of the child.

Neglect is then, the primary form of abuse that we are most likely to encounter. It is also regularly present when we see recurring generational patterns of abuse, often being the result of other social, economic, or cultural factors.

Neglect can occur in different areas such as basic care needs, physical and health needs, emotional needs, safety and supervision.

It is important when considering neglect that we do not allow personal views and standards to cloud our assessment. Our aim is not to impose particular social or cultural constructs or norms on families, but rather to identify and address standards of care that do not meet the child’s needs and either place them at risk of harm or prevent appropriate development.

Poor Appearance & Hygiene

• Inadequate cleanliness and hygiene (both personal hygiene and the cleanliness of home, property, clothing etc)
• Inadequate nutrition
• Inappropriate clothing (such as light clothes / no coat in winter, ill-fitting footwear etc)
• Frequent, untreated nappy rash in infants.

Health & Development

• Untreated medical or dental issues
• Missed medical appointments
• Incorrect or inconsistent administration of medication
• Lack of awareness of risk and danger
• Anaemia
• Delayed development, (E.g. poor muscle tone or prominent joints, poor language or social skills etc) and failure to meet developmental milestones
• Persistent, untreated illness or infections
• Recurring accidental injuries, (often caused by lack of appropriate supervision)
• Skin issues (E.g sores, rashes, flea bites, scabies or ringworm)
• Thin or swollen tummy, weight loss failure to thrive
• Persistent tiredness
• Untreated injuries

Family issues

• Inadequate or unsuitable home environment, (E.g damp, mould, no heating/lighting, unsafe physical space etc)
• Inadequate supervision (E.g. being left alone for an inappropriate length of time
• taking on the role of carer for other family members
• Unrealistic expectations relative to the child’s age or developmental stage and abilities

Behaviour

• Finding it hard to concentrate, stay awake or take part in activities
• being withdrawn, depressed or anxious
• Constantly looking for food, taking food from others or wanting more food
• Displaying obsessive behaviour, jealousy and possessiveness
• Missing school without good reason
• No expectation that needs will be met
• Lack of understanding of and empathy for the needs of others
• Showing signs of self-harm
• Early use drugs or alcohol
• Inappropriately “street wise”
• Lack of boundaries and routine
• Resistance to structure or following instructions
• Inability to cope when demands are placed on them