Neglect Strategy

Introduction and background

This Neglect Strategy has been developed by a multi-agency group and covers all children and young people aged under 9 months to 18 years.

The work was commissioned from the Salford Safeguarding Children Board (SSCB), in line with SSCB business plan and Children and Young People's Plan, and is a key aim from the national outcomes framework for staying safe. The work in Salford to manage neglect has been underway for some time and this has influenced the need for the various strands of activity to be brought together in one strategy that defines the need, sets out the priorities and expected outcomes and promotes and supports best practice.

The Framework for Assessment and expectations from Every Child Matters emphasises the importance of professionals working in partnership with children and their families and working in collaboration across a broad range of agencies. This strategy is designed around that commitment in the belief that this is the most effective way to approach and change the incidence of neglect for the children and young people of Salford, and to promote the best outcomes for those children who experience neglect.

From the research, we know that the severe neglect of young children has adverse effects on children's ability to form attachments and is associated with major impairment of growth and intellectual development. Persistent neglect can lead to serious impairment of health and development, and long-term difficulties with social functioning, relationships and educational progress. Neglected children may also experience low self-esteem, feelings of being unloved and isolated. Neglect can result in, in extreme cases, in death.

The impact of neglect varies depending on how long children have been neglected, the children's age, and the multiplicity of neglectful behaviours children have been experiencing (Working Together to Safeguard Children 2006). The likelihood is that a neglected child will fail to meet their potential across all five of the national outcomes for children and young people. The parents, the wider family, the local community and society share the responsibility with services for meeting the needs of children and preventing or ameliorating the impact of neglect.

Neglect Strategy document is available to download.