Neglect

When parents or carers often intentionally fail to provide food, warmth, safety from harm, or other basic needs, that's neglect.

What isn't neglect?

Life these days can be very tough and the demands of parents and carers can be great. If parents are trying their best but are finding it hard to cope, it's not neglect. It's simply the case that they could do with some extra support.

What effect can neglect have on a child?

It can have a serious effect on a child's physical, mental and emotional development. For babies and very young children, it can even be life-threatening.

Who neglects their child?

There are occasions when nearly all parents find it difficult to cope with the many demands of caring for children. But this does not mean that their children are being neglected, it’s more that the parents could do with some support. Neglect really involves ongoing, severe failure to meet a child's needs.

What are the signs of neglect?

Read more about the possible signs of neglect and what action to take if you see it happening to a child.