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If you suspect a child is at risk of harm, please call The Contact Centre on 01744676767

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Neglect

Neglect Strategy 2019 - 2024 Recognising, responding and reducing neglect in St Helens    

Recognise

Neglect is the ongoing failure to meet a child's basic needs and is the most common form of child abuse.

A child may be left hungry or dirty, without adequate clothing, shelter, supervision, medical or health care.

A child may be put in danger or not protected from physical or emotional harm.

They may not get the love, care and attention they need from their parents.

A child who's neglected will often suffer from other abuse as well. Neglect is dangerous and can cause serious, long-term damage - even death.

* Neglect is the most common reason for taking child protection action *

Graded Care Profile 2 (GCP2)

St. Helens uses NSPCC's Graded Care Profile 2 (GCP2) assessment tool to assess Child 

Respond

Day in the Life Tools

The Safeguarding Partnership has developed day in the life’ tools to support practitioners in exploring, learning and understanding the lived experience of children who are subjected to neglect.

The tools can be used by any professional working with children and young people. The response should help shape and inform plans and actions moving forward.

   Primary                 Secondary          Tell me about ...        Always, sometimes, never

word doc                 word doc                 word doc                      word doc

Signs of Safety (SofS)

Practitioners should use the Signs of Safety Framework when assessing and responding to neglect. Further information and guidance around Signs of Safety can be found here.

ST HELENS NEGLECT FRAMEWORK AND PRACTICE GUIDANCE 2021 - 2022

Reduce

Neglect Supervision Workshops

Neglect Supervision Workshops have been created to support practitioners reduce the drift and delay that can often occur with cases of neglect.

    For more information, schedules and referral form please use this link:

    If you would like to access one of the supervision workshops, please complete the referral form and email it to: heatheraddison@sthelens.gov.uk

    Please remember, consent must be obtained from parents or carers. A GCP2 must also be submitted alongside the referral form.

    Adolescent Neglect:

    Practitioners working with children aged 13-18 years may observe some of the key features of neglect. Getting help for the child and family as early as possible gives the best chance of a good outcome. Neglect and emotional abuse are often not recognised in teenagers and even where they are they may not be taken seriously by professionals. Not much is known about their personal experiences, as there is a lack of research which identifies the feelings, or experiences of this population. Many of the behaviours exhibited by emotionally abused or neglected teenagers may be interpreted by others as a lifestyle choice or ‘acting out’ when they may in fact be an indicator of neglect or emotional abuse. Consequently their conduct may lead them to enter the juvenile justice system rather than the child protection system. A better understanding of teenage neglect and emotional abuse may enable teenagers to access appropriate and timely help.

    • All practitioners coming into contact with teenagers who exhibit the behaviours and issues above must actively consider neglect or emotional maltreatment, rather than simply addressing the problems they present, such as alcohol use.

    • Remember, teenagers who have experienced neglect or emotional abuse may be particularly vulnerable to other forms of victimisation; therefore appropriate action should be taken.

    • A sensitive exploration of teenagers’ experiences may help professionals understand their situation, and allow the teenagers to access appropriate support themselves.

    • Hospital emergency departments and mental health providers need to be particularly aware that teenagers, especially the victims of violence, may be experiencing neglect or emotional maltreatment. While early recognition and intervention are vital, it is never too late to help a child or teenager. If concerns about possible neglect or emotional abuse arise it is important you take action as soon as possible regardless of the age of the teenager.

    For more information on adolescent neglect the following documents are available:

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