Neglect Webinar�HJH�11th May 2026�1-2.30pm�

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In England, the Children Act 1989 defines neglect as the “persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/or psychological needs,” with emphasis on persistence and serious impairment.

Neglect manifests in many ways, including:

• Physical neglect: inadequate provision of food, clothing, hygiene.
• Medical neglect: failure to seek or follow medical advice.
• Educational neglect: non-attendance or lack of support for learning.
• Emotional neglect: absence of affection or emotional responsiveness.
• Supervisory neglect: leaving children unsupervised or with inappropriate caregivers.
• Environmental neglect: unsafe or unsanitary living conditions.

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Neglect often co-occurs with other forms of harm, including physical, sexual and domestic abuse.

What is neglect?

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Aims for today

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To gain a deeper understanding of why Neglect is a priority within Warwickshire

To understand the impact of neglect and cumulative harm

Gain an insight into what action has been taken to address these concerns, including newly developed Multi-Agency Resources and where to find them​

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Understand how these tools can be used in multi-agency practice to build a full picture of the child's lived experience

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Learn where to access further resources and about the upcoming training offer

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Today you will...

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Hear from Jackie Channell (DSP) on why neglect is a priority in Warwickshire

Meet Bridget Griffen (an Independent Lead Reviewer) who will share learning from Child Safeguarding Practive Review and the impact of cumulative harm. 

Hear what children and young people have told us about living with neglect and reflect on what we can learn from this.

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Learn more about the Multi-Agency response to the issue of neglect and the new resources that have been produced – including a Neglect Strategy.

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Experience how these tools can be used in child centered multi-agency practice

Learn where to access the new tools and training and reflect on how they can be used within your agencies

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Why Neglect is a priority within Warwickshire�HJH�Jackie Channell��Delegated Safeguarding Partner �Lead Safeguarding Nurse for Coventry and Warwickshire ICB�

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• As of 31 March 2025, neglect was the primary concern for just over half of the 49,400 children in England subject to child protection plans.

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• Neglect was present in 60% of rapid reviews in 2024-25 (Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel, Annual Report 2024-2025).

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• Neglect is the most common form of child maltreatment in England, often co-occurring with other harms.

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• Child neglect’s widespread prevalence, the potential for long-term harm to children’s physical, emotional and social development and the challenges it presents for effective intervention make it one of the most pressing national safeguarding issues.

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The National Picture

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Since January 2025, Warwickshire Safeguarding Children Partnership (WSCP) has received 10 Serious Incident Notifications (SIN), with 7 progressing to a Rapid Review.

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Of these, 2 of the Rapid Reviews completed have escalated to a full Local Child Safeguarding Practice Review.

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To address these concerns, the Neglect  Practice Priority Group was established at the end of last year. Its purpose is to strengthen multi-agency understanding of neglect and promote early identification and intervention to safeguard children effectively.

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Out of these 10 SINs – 8 featured neglect as a serious concern and area for learning. ​

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Sadly, 4 of the 8 referred (50%) involved the death of a child or young person.

The Local Picture - Reviews

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Guided by our Partnership vision, we have identified Neglect  as key priority that will shape our collective efforts to  improve our Safeguarding responses  and support best outcomes for children and families.

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• We want all children, young people and families in Warwickshire to be heard, safe, healthy, skilled and happy and access the right support, from the right person, at the right time.

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• We will listen to the views and understand lived experiences of children/young people and families within the county to inform our understanding of Neglect. 

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• We will work together as a Partnership to ensure that children and young people are protected from harm and neglect, and their welfare is promoted.

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• We will engage with frontline practitioners to understand the profile and scope of neglect across the county and what the barriers are to identifying and responding to neglect. 

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• We will improve how we evidence the impact of new initiatives and support tools to ensure positive outcomes for children and young people.

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Neglect as a Key Priority

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Learning from Reviews�HJH�Bridget Griffin�Independent Lead Reviewer��Neglect Thematic Review �

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The drip, drip, drip of cumulative harm

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Where were you when I was six ?

The drip, drip, drip of cumulative harm

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These figures are drawn from analysis of rapid reviews in 2024-25, including more detailed analysis where neglect was identified.

Learning from the National Panel

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Safeguarding reviews show that neglect is common, complex and can be missed. Understanding these recurring issues can help improve practice:

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• Child neglect can affect babies, children and adolescents but can be missed, especially when concerns relate to poverty, parental challenges, or chronic low‑level issues that build gradually
• Delays in identification are frequently linked to unclear definitions, inconsistent thresholds, and reliance on terms such as ‘persistence’ and ‘serious impairment’.
• Many responses to neglect are episodic and fragmented, resulting in missed opportunities to understand cumulative harm
• Early help and coordinated support are frequently hindered by consent barriers, capacity pressures, and inconsistent multi‑agency working
• A more proactive, child‑centred and trauma‑informed approach is needed – one that names neglect clearly and responds early
• Strong practice requires shared chronologies, structured tools, multi‑agency information sharing, and a clear focus on the child’s daily life, safety, and wellbeing
• Children’s voices and lived experiences are not consistently captured, and home conditions are often not seen or explored in enough depth

Learning from the National Panel

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What Children and Young People have told us about living with Neglect�HJH�Laura Forrest and Charli Picking�Speaking on behalf of children and young people, informed by direct work with children in care and care leavers​�Voice, Influence and Change Team (WCC)�

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• The Voice, Influence & Change Team.

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• Neglect is a complicated, confusing and a difficult topic for young people to talk about directly.  

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• So, we are here today to share young people's experiences so they do not have to revisit or relive experiences they have worked hard to survive, particularly when they may already carry a sense of blame or responsibility.​

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• To use our knowledge of working with children in care, care leavers, and young people directly over the last 8 years through our regular work to feed into this session.

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Who we are and why we are speaking today:

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Young people have described what neglect feels like…

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I didn't say anything, I needed to protect my mum and sister. 

My friend's bedroom was so pretty.  Her carpet was really soft. I'd never had carpet in my room.

I was hungry. School dinners were yummy, but they hurt my tummy and made me poorly.  

People kept asking what was wrong and if I was ok.  I thought I was.  I didn't know what they wanted me to say.

I learnt to do adult things too early to look after my family. It wasn't fair.

No one noticed how different they were to me and my older brother. He got everything.

I didn’t know things could be different, but when they were it felt good after a while.

My normal isn’t your normal.

 I was lonely, mum and dad worked all the time.​

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I felt sadder when I left home, I wish you had helped my daddy. He loved me but couldn’t do everything I needed.

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Why did no one notice? Why did no one help?

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Mrs B changed my life.

I will remember her forever. Everyone needs a Mrs B!

I was bullied at school, a lot!

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Young people have told us what they want adults to do differently or to know

Young people want adults who

notice earlier, join the dots, follow through, and do not disappear when things get complicated or when things look well...

When someone noticed and helped, things started to change.

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It felt scary but I saw things could be different for me.​

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For all young people:

• When neglect ends, it doesn't mean it will never happen again.  
• For some children, neglect comes back or changes shape rather than disappears.
• Sustainable change is what is needed.

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Children in care have specifically shared with us:

• Neglect can continue within the care journey, even when intentions are good.
• Experiences like instability, inconsistency, and lack of communication can feel like neglect.
• It is not about blaming carers or professionals, but how the system can be experienced.
• Professionals must think about how care feels, not just what care looks like on paper.
• Even when systems are working, is it working for us?

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Do not stop being curious when you think I am safe or "cared for"...

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Quotes from care experienced young people who have experienced neglect

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How Processes can feel to Children and Young People

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• Processes and decisions can feel unclear and confusing and don’t always make sense – help them understand.
• Children and young people could be very aware and wary of systems - it must feel safe for them to share. 
• They notice people not doing what they say and nothing happening, having to repeat things they have already said and people disappearing and support stopping.
• Processes should feel like they are making things better for all of us – me and my family.
• Words are important; don't make us feel shame or guilt.  This is my family and my life – be kind and care about us all (even when that feels hard).

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Top Tips

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Neglect to children and young people isn't always the 'obvious' or ‘expected’.  Be curious.

They talk about being unnoticed, being passed between adults, promises not followed through, and no one checking back. Make the difference.

Children rarely describe neglect using professional definitions. Watch your words.

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They may not be aware that they are experiencing neglect as it is ‘normal life’ to them.  Help us understand.

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Neglect is not the same for everyone. One size doesn’t fit all.

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Lived experience of neglect and the lifelong impact...

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Quote from an adult who experienced childhood neglect.

�“What I wanted to share is how important it is that everything discussed today is really taken in. The way professionals notice, respond, and act now can reduce the likelihood that people must carry the impact of neglect into later life, when they are starting their own life and family. Investing in this learning matters, because what happens now and very early, can shape what people face much later on.”

�Anyone can spot and report neglect, anyone can support – Be Mrs B!

These new tools will support agencies to help identify and evidence neglect.

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Neglect Strategy��Dan Atkins�HJH��

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The quote above from a Local Child Safeguarding Practice Review reminds us of the urgent question: why, when the signs are so often visible, does it still take so long to respond to neglect?

Challenge yourself, reflect, and ask: Am I confident in identifying the early signs of neglect, especially when they fall below statutory thresholds?

‘Why did it take so long to respond?’

Warwickshire’s Strategic Vision

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Partners will commit to work together to support, safeguard and listen to the voices of children, young people and families and to learn from each other to improve outcomes for families across Warwickshire.

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Key Priorities

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Children and families are heard, safe, healthy, skilled and happy, accessing the right support at the right time.

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Strengthen understanding of the lived experience of children and young people.

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Improve identification and responses to neglect through shared language, improved tools and practitioner confidence.

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Enable consistent, evidence‑based multi‑agency practice and measure impact.

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Protective Factors

While it is important to identify neglect, it’s equally vital to recognise the signs of safe, nurturing care. Signs of safety and wellbeing can include:

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• Good health and use of healthcare
• Meeting basic physical needs
• Regular school attendance and parental engagement
• Emotional warmth and secure relationships
• Clear boundaries, routines and support with friendships and activities

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What Success Looks Like

Success will look different across agencies, but all partners share a commitment to improving the lives of children affected by neglect.

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What the Strategy Will Deliver

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• A new multi‑agency bank of neglect resources to support recognition and response.
• Targeted multi‑agency training to improve practitioner knowledge and confidence.
• Stronger integration of the child’s voice and lived experience in all activity

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Our multi-agency response – new tools and resources�HJH�Claire Adkins and Phil Rigotti �Practice and Learning Hub�

Sections within the Initial Screening Tool

Sections Covered

Sections Covered

Sections Covered

Sections Covered

These are available on WSCP website:

https://www.safeguardingwarwickshire.co.uk/safeguarding-children/

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• The Neglect Toolkit is a Warwickshire Children and Families Document which the initial screening tool will support to complete.
• Multi-Agency Partners will not complete this independently but may be contacted by Children’s Social Care for input.
• We need to consider how we are assessing neglect. Waiting for a ‘trigger incident’ like a significant injury, or the child being left alone can often be too late.
• Use of the Neglect Toolkit at different points throughout agency involvement will help to measure improvement or deterioration.

The Neglect Toolkit

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Neglect Toolkit – Key Points

There are two parts to the tool, the scoring sheet and the detailed guidance

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The Neglect toolkit should be completed for all children that are subject to a CP Plan under the category of neglect by the first RCPC. 

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Provides a base line measure.

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RAG Rated

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Completed WITH the family

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Review the chronology at the same time.

Utilise partner agencies observations based on their area of expertise

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If you have concerns of Neglect, regardless of plan type then a Neglect Toolkit should be completed. Consider in emotional abuse cases as well.

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• The tool assesses five areas, plus an area for considering parental motivation to change.
• Each of the areas is split into sub-areas, with accompanying descriptions.
• Each area that is relevant is scored 1-5, with 1 being the least amount of concern and 5 being with most.
• Examples / Evidence should be included and parents' views of the level of concern recorded.

The Neglect Toolkit

The Scoring Sheet

Tools in Practice�(Agency Perspectives)��HJH�Multi-Agency Partners�

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The

Referral

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Police ‘lateral check’ records attendance

at the home after

reports of domestic abuse – advice given.

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Paediatrician notes

child not brought despite health visitor referral regarding developmental concerns.

Nursery record

significant

amount of

bruising noticed 

to shins

Nursery concerned about soiled clothing and full nappies on

arrival in the mornings.

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GP record notes ambulance attendance for Faizal.

House reported to be "dirty", and smells of "stale urine“.

Family Support Worker completes school enrolment forms for mother. 

Social Worker starts

neglect toolkit as

part of Family Help Assessment and Plan

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Police ‘lateral check’

records concern of child left alone at home, only concerns

noted by attending officer regarding home conditions.

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Health Visitor records

weight below centile and

nappy rash.

Mum struggling

with motivation and mental health.

Social Worker observes lack of emotional warmth between child

and mother during home visit

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Fire service carry out     a safe and well

check – install smoke alarms and provide advice/ guidance for cluttering.

Housing tenancy support

note cluttered housing

during routine visit –

referral made to fire service

for community safety visit.

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Police ‘lateral check’ records attendance

at the home after

reports of domestic abuse – advice given.

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Paediatrician notes

child not brought despite health visitor referral regarding developmental concerns.

Nursery record

significant

amount of

bruising noticed 

to shins

Nursery concerned about soiled clothing and full nappies on

arrival in the mornings.

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GP record notes ambulance attendance for Faizal.

House reported to be "dirty", and smells of "stale urine“.

Family Support Worker completes school enrolment forms for mother. 

Social Worker starts

neglect toolkit as

part of Family Help Assessment and Plan

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Police ‘lateral check’

records concern of child left alone at home, home

condition concerns

noted by attending officer.

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Health Visitor records

weight below centile and

nappy rash.

Mum struggling

with motivation and mental health.

Social Worker observes lack of emotional warmth between child and mother during home visit

Fire service carry

out a sfe and well

check – install smoke alarms and provide advice/ guidance for cluttering.

Housing tenancy support

note cluttered housing

during routine visit –

referral made to fire service

for community safety visit.

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What Next?�HJH�Dan Atkins�

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• Act early and stay curious

Notice small, repeated concerns — neglect is usually cumulative, not a single event.

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• Name neglect clearly

Avoid vague language; being explicit helps trigger timely action and shared understanding.

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• See the child’s lived experience

Focus on what daily life feels like for the child, not just parental explanations or isolated incidents.

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• Work collaboratively

Share information, use neglect tools consistently, and build a holistic, multi‑agency picture of risk and need.

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• Reflect on current practice

Reflect on the children and families you currently work with. Consider both the immediate and longer-term impact of neglect, and identify how you can support and sustain meaningful, lasting change.

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What to take away from today

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We have a dedicated NEGLECT webpage on the WSCP website where you can access:

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• WSCP Neglect Initial Screening Tool
• Day in the Life of a Child direct work resources
• Links to further resources e.g from the National Panel

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Coming Soon

• Training videos
• WSCP Neglect Strategy

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Further Information

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Please share your views on today’s session by completing the evaluation form.

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Evaluation Form

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Thank you for attending.

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