Identifying neglect

Neglect is not always straightforward to identify:

• It may occur if a parent becomes physically or mentally unable to care for a child

If an adult has an addiction to alcohol or drugs

• it could affect their ability to keep a child safe or
• they may prioritise drugs or alcohol, rather than food, clothing or warmth for the child
• neglect may occur during pregnancy due to the mother's drug or alcohol abuse

What should you look out for in young children?

• Poor hygiene
• Being hungry, weight loss over time
• Unmet medical needs
• Being dirty or infrequent nappy changes, leading to nappy rash
• Wearing inappropriate clothing, for instance not wearing warm clothes in winter
• Poor adult interaction, resulting in a child’s lack of social and emotional development
• Little or no supervision of a child