Keeping children safe from harm is everyone's responsibility and our work as a partnership is key to our success in making a difference to children and their families.
To tackle this we revised our Neglect Strategy for 2021-24 Take a look at our updated Neglect Needs Analysis which supports our refreshed strategy.
As part of delivering this Strategy, Walsall Safeguarding Partnership is seeking a Walsall wide response to neglect.
What is Neglect
Neglect is the ongoing failure to meet children’s needs and it is currently the most common form of child abuse in the UK. Teenagers are at as much risk of experiencing neglect as a young child is. Neglect has long term impact and often effects children well into their adulthood. It can also mean that when children grow up and become parents themselves, they can really struggle to parent well. Most parents don’t neglect their children, or intentionally neglect their children; they often don’t realise they are not meeting their child's need fully.
What does Neglect include?
Neglect is often thought to be not providing good food, clothing or warmth for children. However, it is much broader than that, and also includes parents and carers:
- Not being able to hold positive, open, warm relationships with children including giving emotional warmth.
- Not supporting children and young people with their education, learning and social development
- Not looking after their health needs.
Types of Neglect
Neglect can be a lot of different things, which can make it hard to spot. But broadly speaking, there are 4 types of neglect:
Physical neglect A child's basic needs, such as food, clothing or shelter, are not met or they aren't properly supervised or kept safe.
Educational neglect A parent doesn't ensure their child is given an education.
Emotional neglect A child doesn't get the nurture and stimulation they need. This could be through ignoring, humiliating, intimidating or isolating them.
Medical neglect A child isn't given proper health care. This includes dental care and refusing or ignoring medical recommendations.
For further information and training information please see the Neglect Resources for Professionals Page