Neglect

It differs from other forms of abuse because it is frequently passive, as it is more likely to be enduring than crisis led and often overlaps with other forms of maltreatment. The indicators of neglect are often missed.

Neglect can be the persistent failure to meet the basic physical and emotional needs of a child which can cause serious impairment to the child's health or development. Persistent means a pattern which may be intermittent or continuous that has caused, or is likely to cause, significant harm. However, single instances of neglectful behaviour also occur which can be harmful. Neglect can occur in the context of various stressors and is an indicator of the need for support and protection. When neglect is recognised early, support can be put in place in order to prevent harm.

National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland 2021 - updated 2023

Spotting the signs

You may be worried if you see a child who is:  

• hungry or stealing food, or underweight or obese.
• shabbily or inappropriately dressed or has poor hygiene.
• being bullied or is socially isolated.
• unhappy or distressed or attention seeking.
• always looking tired with poor concentration.
• not receiving appropriate medical care when needed.
• suffering repeated head lice infections or tooth decay.

Remember to focus on the child

When neglect occurs in families, as in other complex situations, it is easy to lose sight of the child due to them becoming over‐shadowed by the needs of those caring for them or other factors. The significance of 'seeing' the child cannot be overstated. 

'If you see an unhappy child, you should ask them what is wrong.'

If you are worried that a child or young person may be at risk of harm, then you should call 030 33 33 3001 or email accessteam@dumgal.gov.uk (Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm) and ask for the Social Work Access team.

Out of Hours 030 333 3001 or email outofhours@dumgal.gov.uk (for help outside normal working hours)

If you feel that the child or young person is in immediate danger, then you should call Police Scotland on 999.

Impact of neglect on children and young people's development 

Neglect can cause short and long-term effects for children in all areas of their development. Some examples are as follows:

• Children experiencing frequent accidents due to lack of supervision. Young children might ingest substances as a result of not being supervised appropriately.
• Lack of boundaries or appropriate consequences can affect a child's ability to keep themselves safe in the home, online or in the community. 
• Malnourishment in children can cause damage to their developing brain which in turn causes lowered brain function.
• Babies and young children exposed to neglectful care and poor interaction from their caregivers in the first 3 years of life may never achieve their full potential. 
• Lack of appropriate medical care when needed.
• Children may struggle to express their feelings, make and sustain relationships, and lack confidence and have low esteem.  
• Unhealthy diets leading to obesity/diabetes etc.
• Children may experience isolation/attachment issues.
• Unclean homes e.g. dirty bathroom, unhygienic surfaces, rubbish piled up as well as unclean clothes can significantly impact a child's self-esteem and sense of belonging.
• Pets that are not cared for properly can mean children are living in homes where there is dog/cat faeces. Uncared for pets are unhappy pets which can lead to aggression and impact on a child's safety.
• Children going missing, breaking the law, using drugs and alcohol.
• Mental health issues regardless of age.
• Not attending school.
• While increases of tooth decay can be a result of various factors including sugar levels in our diets, it is important to be aware that it can also indicate neglect and other harms. 

If you are worried that a child or young person may be at risk of harm, then you should call 030 33 33 3001 or email accessteam@dumgal.gov.uk (Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm) and ask for the Social Work Access team.

Out of Hours 030 333 3001 or email outofhours@dumgal.gov.uk (for help outside normal working hours)

If you feel that the child or young person is in immediate danger, then you should call Police Scotland on 999.

The far reaching nature of Neglect

Neglect can be experienced by children of all ages and in range of circumstances. Some children might live in clean and organised houses and parents are articulate and financially well off, but they are experiencing emotional abuse as a result of parental poor mental health, domestic abuse and substance abuse. 'Affluent neglect' refers to the neglect experienced by children in wealthy families. Often this neglect can be more difficult to spot as the type of neglect experienced by children & young people is often emotional. For example, high expectations regarding educational attainment and being unfairly critical when standards are not met.

Exposure to domestic abuse or parental substance misuse in children who are neglected can lead to lifelong negative consequences. Children can suffer poor mental health if these negative experiences persist. There is strong association between childhood maltreatment and poorer child outcomes such as anxiety, depression, self-harm and behavioural issues.

Adolescent Neglect

Neglect can be more difficult to recognise in teenagers. This can be for a variety of reasons. Teenagers might be better at hiding their experiences as they are more aware of the difficulties than perhaps a younger child. Shame might lead this age group to hide what is happening at home. This might lead to social isolation from peer groups and has hugely negative consequences for their education and social and emotional development. 

In some circumstances where harm has occurred a Review takes place to better understand what has happened and what learning can be identified. In Scotland, where neglect was a factor, a third of reviews were for children aged 12-17 years (Care Inspectorate, 2021). This highlights the complexities of neglect within this age group. Self-neglect can also occur for this age group and indicates that there is something wrong and support is required.

Intergenerational Nature of Neglect

'Neglect is one of the most damaging childhood experiences as is associated with some of the poorest behavioural, emotional and cognitive outcomes. These affect life chances and contribute significantly to widening social, economic and health inequalities. The negative effects of child neglect ripple throughout society with high social and economic costs' (Bywaters et al. 2020; Daniel Taylor adn Scott 2010; Hogwath 2007). Where there is cyclical neglect within families without appropriate interventions taking place to break the cycle of neglect, intergenerational neglect can occur. This means that families are experiencing the negative impact of neglect throughout the generations. This requires people to be aware of the dangers of normalising neglect. In order to break the cycle of intergenerational neglect it is important to be aware of the signs and impact of neglect and the need to seek support as soon as possible so that outcomes improve for children now and in the future. It is not okay for neglect to be accepted within families or within the streets in which they live. 

If you are worried that a child or young person may be at risk of harm, then you should call 030 33 33 3001 or email accessteam@dumgal.gov.uk (Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm) and ask for the Social Work Access team.

Out of Hours 030 333 3001 or email outofhours@dumgal.gov.uk (for help outside normal working hours)

If you feel that the child or young person is in immediate danger, then you should call Police Scotland on 999.

Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) 

Children have the right to be safe, healthy, active, nurtured, achieving, respected, responsible and included (GIRFEC, Scottish Government)  

GIRFEC provides a framework for everyone who works with children, young people and their families. The Framework puts children and young people at the centre, as well as encouraging multi-agency working to ensure children and young people have the best start in life and get the right help at the right time from the right people.

United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)

UNCRC is an international agreement, which protects the human rights of children under the age of 18 years. It forms the basis for GIRFEC, and the Scottish Government has committed to embed this agreement into all of its work with children and young people. 

Article 6 of the (UNCRC) states that governments should make sure that children develop and grow healthy and protect them from things that can hurt them. They should be able to grow up in conditions that do not impact negatively on their physical and mental wellbeing. Children have the right to be listened to and taken seriously and adults should take account of children's views when making any decisions that affect them (Article 12, UNCRC).

Neglect in Pregnancy

It is important to note that neglect can occur in pregnancy and the unborn child's needs unmet.

Neglect may occur as a result of maternal substance abuse which can have an adverse impact on the unborn child's development.

Drinking alcohol during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, the baby being born prematurely and low birth weight. Babies can also develop Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) which is a serious lifelong condition. 

Using drugs in pregnancy can cause serious complications for the baby and may lead to Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). This is a condition resulting from the baby withdrawing from the drugs they have been exposed to in the womb.

When born babies are extremely vulnerable and are completely reliant on their parent/carer to meet their needs. If neglect occurs this can have a significant impact on their wellbeing and development. 

Poverty

Most children experiencing poverty live in safe and loving homes, however poverty can impact on a parent's ability to look after their children due to where they live, availability of food, poor living conditions and increased stress and anxiety. This can lead to neglect and other harms. Shame can be a significant factor and may contribute to neglect remaining unidentified. 

Disabled Children

Children with communication impairments, behavioural disorders, learning disabilities and sensory impairments may be additionally vulnerable to abuse and neglect.  Within child protection processes additional preparation and consideration will be taken of the impact of any disability for a child to ensure effective protection.  

Children with disabilities have an equal right to be safe, and gaining understanding of their views is of significant importance.  Their voice and feelings must be heard when people make decisions that involve them.

Getting help early

It is important to spot the signs of neglect early before risks leading to significant harm occur. Early help is available in order to prevent concerns escalating and the need for child protection. Family support practitioners within social work provide necessary support to help children and families make positive changes to prevent future harm. There are many third sector organisations who can also help as well as professionals within health and education. Everyone involved in supporting families will seek to understand what is happening and focus on the strengths within families so that safety and resilience are increased. 

For further information contact social work access team on 030 33 33 3001. 

If you are worried that a child or young person may be at risk of harm, then you should call 030 33 33 3001 or email accessteam@dumgal.gov.uk (Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm) and ask for the Social Work Access team.

Out of Hours 030 333 3001 or email outofhours@dumgal.gov.uk (for help outside normal working hours)

If you feel that the child or young person is in immediate danger, then you should call Police Scotland on 999.