Child Neglect

Neglect is a form of Significant Harm which involves the persistent failure to meet a child's basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of the child's health or development.



What does it look like?

The following could be signs of neglect:

  • Dirty children/dirty house

  • Baby/child left alone

  • Dirty unsafe house or garden

  • Poorly cared for animals

  • Violence in the home

  • Abusive language

  • Excessive punishments including hitting

  • Child at home on schools days

  • Lack of food or water

  • Lack of furniture/bedding

  • A cold house

  • Isolated child

  • Visitors not welcome

  • Young child out alone

What should you do?

If you have any concerns, no matter how insignificant tell your Supervisor/Manager or ring any of the following direct:

  • NSPCC: 0808 800 5000

  • Children’s Social Care: 01733 864180

  • Police: 0345 456 4564

  • call 999 in an emergency

Listed below are some publication and organisations that can support you: