“Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/or developmental needs. Neglect includes failing to provide for a child’s health, education, emotional development, nutrition, clothing, shelter, safety and safe living conditions and includes exclusion of the child from the home and abandonment”
- NPSCC 2014
None of the signs outlined below would indicate for certain that a child is being neglected but children who are persistently and severely neglected may be in danger. Some parents/carers simply need more resources and support to properly care for their children, but some have more complex problems. In both cases, they need help from professionals.
Neglect may occur during pregnancy as a result of maternal substance misuse. Children need adequate food, water, clothing, shelter, warmth, protection and health care and they need their carers to be attentive, dependable and kind and protective.
Neglect can have a debilitating and long-lasting effect on a child’s physical wellbeing, and on their mental, emotional and behavioural development. In some cases the effects can cause permanent disabilities and in severe cases, death.
Signs that a child could be suffering neglect include:
-
Living in an inadequate home
environment
-
Being left alone
for a long time
-
Being persistently ignored
by parents/carers
-
Poor appearance
and delayed development
-
Taking on the role of carer
for other family members
-
Seem hungry
or turn up to school without having breakfast
Physical effects of neglect may include:
-
Faltering weight
or growth and not reaching developmental milestones
-
Poor muscle tone,
prominent joints, tiredness
-
Poor skin,
untreated nappy rash, sores, flea bites
-
Thin or swollen tummy
-
Poor hygiene,
like being dirty or smelly
-
Untreated health problems
such as dental issues
-
Unwashed clothing
-
Inadequate clothing,
such as not having a coat in winter
Emotional and behavioural effects may include:
-
Difficulties
with school work
-
Missing school
-
Being anxious
about or avoiding people
-
Difficulty in making friends
-
Being withdrawn
-
Anti-social behaviour
-
Drug or alcohol use
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