Neglect
Neglect is the persistent lack of appropriate care of children, including love, stimulation, safety, nourishment, warmth, education and medical attention. It can have a serious effect on a child's physical, mental and emotional development. For babies and very young children, it can be life-threatening.
The signs of neglect
What action to take
Frequently asked questions about neglect
People to talk to
Publications
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. Neglect involves ongoing, severe failure to meet a child's needs. Here are some signs of possible neglect:
if the child seems underweight and is very small for their age
if they are poorly clothed, with inadequate protection from the weather
if they are often absent from school for no apparent reason
if they are regularly left alone, or in charge of younger brothers or sisters.
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It is not always easy to be sure that neglect is taking place. There can sometimes be other explanations for a child's worrying appearance or behaviour. If you are still concerned about a child or young person, contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or contact your local social services. All our advisers are qualified child protection officers. If necessary, they will pass details of your concerns to the local social services department and ask them to look into the situation.
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"My niece has had head lice for over a year. My sister-in-law refuses to take her to see the GP or to get rid of them with medication from the chemist. Is this neglect?"
Head lice are very common problem among school children in the UK. Infection alone does not mean the child is being neglected. However, your niece's lack of treatment over such a long period of time is definitely a cause for concern.
Parents who don't ensure that their children receive the medical care or treatment they need are being neglectful. Not only is your niece probably suffering a lot of discomfort, but she may also be being rejected or bullied by other children because of the head lice. Medicated lotion for getting rid of head lice is on sale in most chemists or large supermarkets. Perhaps you could buy some and suggest to your sister-in-law that you will help her treat the child's head. If the lice infecting your niece's hair resist treatment from the chemist, your sister-in-law should contact the family GP.
If parents still refuse to treat the infestation, then phone the Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or contact your local social services.
"My neighbours' children often don't go to school and their parents don't seem to care. Are the children suffering neglect?"Parents and carers must ensure that children between the age of five and 16 years receive a satisfactory education. In fact, the law insists that they do so. If you think that there is not a valid reason for their absence, such as long-term illness or exclusion from school, then you should tell your local social services or education department about your concerns. They will check out the family situation and, if necessary, take action with the parents. Their main focus will be to ensure the children start attending school regularly. They will also check that absence from school is not part of an overall pattern of neglect by the parents.
Remember, some parents may choose to educate their children at home
"A new family has moved to our street. They have six children, who always look dirty and unkempt but seem happy enough. Am I right to feel some concern about the children?"
A child who is often dirty, smelly and not properly dressed for the weather may be suffering neglect. However, it's important to consider the following before assuming that these signs automatically mean neglect:
Just because a child is occasionally dirty or doesn't have the latest fashionable clothing, it does not mean they are being neglected. Nearly all children get dirty at times and not all families can afford new clothes for their children.
The family may not have access to a washing machine or drying facilities. This could make it difficult for the parents to ensure their children always have clean clothes, but does not necessarily indicate neglect.
If a child is occasionally smelly, this may be because the parents have limited access to hot water so regular bathing is difficult to arrange. It does not necessarily indicate neglect. However, poor personal hygiene that goes on for a long time can have a negative affect on a child's health and/or their emotional well-being.
If the children's appearance is the only thing that worries you, it's probably best to keep an eye on the situation at the moment. Take note of the children's relationships with their parents and with each other. Do they seem to get along OK? Do the parents supervise the children effectively? Does the family seem to have a routine? Or do the children appear underweight, unhealthy or distressed in any way?
"A neighbour works full time and seems to be leaving her children alone during the day. Is this neglect?"
There is no UK law stating the age at which a child can be left at home alone. However, parents can be prosecuted for wilful neglect if they leave a child alone or unsupervised "in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering or injury to health" (Children and Young Persons Act 1933). Your neighbour may be having difficulties finding childcare. Perhaps the family is isolated and lacks the support of relatives and friends? As a neighbour, could you offer help with contacting local support services or with childcare? See People to talk to for organisations that offer childcare advice.
Babies should never be left alone, even for a short time. If you notice that a baby or a child under the age of nine has been left on their own, contact the police on 999. They will go to the house to make sure that the child is safe from harm.
Before leaving an older child alone, parents must take into account the child's age and maturity, their ability to cope in an emergency and how they feel about being left alone. Most children under the age of 13 are not mature enough to cope in an emergency and should not be left alone for more than a short time.
We recommend that children under the age of 16 should not be left alone overnight.
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NSPCC HelplineTel: 0808 800 5000
Email:
Helpline@nspcc.org.ukNSPCC Asian Helpline
Bengali 0800 096 7714
Gujurati 0800 096 7715
Hindi 0800 096 7716
Punjabi 0800 096 7717
Urdu 0800 096 7718
Asian/English 0800 096 7719
Cymru/Wales Child Protection Helpline
Freephone 0808 100 2524.
Email:
helplinecymru@nspcc.org.uk In English or Welsh.
Textphone: Freephone 0808 100 1033 (this is for people with hearing difficulties).
Fax: 01248 361085
National Childminding AssociationTel: 020 8464 6164
www.ncma.org.ukDaycare TrustTel: 020 7739 2866
www.daycaretrust.org.ukProvides information on childcare options for parents.
National Council for One-parent FamiliesHelpline: 0800 018 5026
www.oneparentfamilies.org.ukProvides leaflets and can advise single parents on benefits and maintenance.
National Council for One Parent Families - ScotlandHelpline: 0800 018 5026
Monday 11am-2pm
Tuesday 3pm-6pm
Thursday 3pm-6pm
www.opfs.org.ukGingerbreadFreephone advice line: 0800 018 4318
Monday to Friday 9am-5pm
www.gingerbread.org.ukSupport organisation for lone parent families in England, Wales and UK
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A list of publications about child neglect can be found on
Inform.
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Copyright © 2006 NSPCC - All rights reserved. National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, Weston House, 42
Curtain Road, London EC2A 3NH. Incorporated by Royal Charter. Registered charity number 216401. NSPCC, charity registered in Scotland, charity number SC037717.