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Neglect

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

  • In the UK, the best available evidence suggests that one in thirteen children aged 11 to 17 has experienced neglect, with one in ten reporting severe neglect during their lifetime (Radford et al., 2011)

  • 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 (DfE, 2025).

  • Neglect is a common factor in incidents involving death or serious harm. Data shows that 60% of rapid reviews included neglect as part of the broader context of children’s lives (CSPRP Annual Report 24/25).

St Helens Neglect Strategy 2026 - 2030 has been co-produced with partners and families impacted by neglect, through wider consultation It provides a strong framework to make the most effective use of the current resources across our partnership. By setting out shared priorities and objectives and identifying the areas that require further development, the strategy demonstrates the commitment partners have made to work together to tackle neglect and to support children, young people and families impacted.

The Assessing Neglect Together Tool has been developed with help from children, parents, carers and the people who work with children and families in the St Helens Safeguarding Children’s Partnership and Knowsley Safeguarding Children Partnership. Families are the experts in their own lives, and we need to make sure that this tool is completed together with families. This is so that we understand together where parents and carers are helping their children to grow and develop well, and to understand where families need help and support, so we can make sure that every family gets the right help, from the right people at the right time.

Recognising Different Types of Neglect (A quick reference guide for practitioners)

The Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel Learning Hub provides key information and resources to support early recognition and effective action.