Neglect

Children need adequate food, water, shelter, warmth, protection and health care. They also need their carers to be attentive, dependable and kind. Children are neglected if these essential needs – the things they need to develop and grow – are persistently not met.

There are many signs that may indicate neglect; if your common sense and instincts tell you that something is wrong then you should take action.

Children may be neglected because they come from disadvantaged backgrounds, such as low-income or single parent families. However, most children from such backgrounds are well-cared-for. A child’s circumstances may also make them more vulnerable to neglect, such as children who are in care or seeking asylum.

Some adults find it difficult to organise their lives, which can lead to a chaotic home life for children. Some adults simply do not understand the needs of their children, possibly because they did not experience adequate parenting themselves. These adults sometimes neglect their children's physical needs.

Other adults find it difficult to show their feelings. This difficulty can cause them to neglect their children's emotional needs. For example, a parent may give gifts to their child as a substitute for feelings they are unable to express.

Mental health problems, domestic violence, and drug or alcohol misuse, may also reduce a parent’s ability to meet their children's needs.

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. The effects of physical neglect may include:

• poor muscle tone/prominent joints
• poor skin: sores, rashes, flea bites
• thin or swollen tummy
• poor hygiene, like being dirty or smelly
• untreated health problems, such as bad teeth
• unwashed clothing
• inadequate clothing, like not having a coat in winter

The effects of neglecting a child's mental development may include:

• difficulties with school work
• missing school.

The effects of neglecting a child's emotional development may include:

• being anxious about, or avoiding, people
• difficulty in making friends
• being withdrawn.

The effects of neglecting a child's behavioural development may include:

• anti-social behaviour
• early sexual activity
• drug or alcohol misuse.

The effects may last into adulthood and may cause a person to neglect their own children later in life.

An inadequate home environment may suggest that a parent cannot cope and can be a sign that children are being neglected; as are adults who leave their children alone for long periods, persistently ignore them, or fail to properly supervise or protect them from danger. And where adults have mental health problems, suffer violence in the home, or have a drug or alcohol addiction, it is not unreasonable to suppose that the children in their care may be neglected.

Poor appearance and delayed development (see Effects) are also common signs that may indicate a child is being neglected. A child who has taken on the role of carer of other family members, in the absence of a parent, is another sign.

None of the signs outlined here would indicate for certain that a child is being neglected – busy family homes are often untidy or in need of a vacuum; children get nits and their clothes become dirty.

However, there are severely neglectful adults in our communities who are putting their children in danger. Many of these adults 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.

Deciding if a child is neglected can be very hard – even for a trained social worker – and it's natural to worry that you may be mistaken. However, if your common sense or instincts tell you something is wrong, it's important you discuss your concerns with a professional.

You can talk through your concerns with an NSPCC adviser by contacting the NSPCC Helpline. You can trust our advisers to properly assess the information you give them and to take the necessary action.

If you think a child is in immediate danger, call the police on 999, or call the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000, without delay.

If the situation is less serious, and if you feel able, you could talk to the parent or carer concerned about their situation – you may be able to offer some support, like helping out with some housework. However, if you are worried that you may be putting yourself at risk or you think that you may make matters worse, call the NSPCC Helpline first to get advice.

NSPCC Helpline: Advice and support for adults concerned about a child.

Police: Emergency and non-emergency police services.

Family Lives: Help and support in all aspects of family life.

Financial help for adults on a low income or adults who are expecting or raising children.

Sure Start: Service centres for children and families.