Studies suggest up to 10% of our children experience neglect in some form or other. That’s almost 1.5 million children desperately in need of help, and yet most people are unaware that it is happening in their neighbourhood.
What is neglect?
Neglect is the regular failure to meet a child’s basic needs, from love and support to food and clothing, health and security. Neglect has a huge impact on a child’s life, leading to loneliness and isolation, rock-bottom self-esteem, poor mental and physical health and an uncertain future.
What does neglect look like?
Neglect is a deep and complex issue that often goes unnoticed but there are signs that indicate neglect and family circumstances where it is more likely to happen.
Key indicators of neglect include:
- children whose clothes are unwashed or not suitable for the weather
- children who are smelly and dirty
- children who spend little or no time with their parents or carers
- children who don’t eat regular meals every day
- children who don’t get the medical and dental care that they need
Why does neglect happen?
Neglect is a very complex issue, but it is more likely to occur when parents have problems such as:
- mental health issues
- drink and/or drug abuse
- parents don’t have the skills to bring up their children
- there is violence or deprivation in the home
