Neglect Flashcards
How can neglect occur in pregnancy?
As a result of the mother taking substances like drugs, alcohol etc
Once the child is born, how neglect can be seen:
A parent/carer failing to:
Fail to provide adequate food, clothing and shelter (including exclusion from home or abandonment)
Fail to protect the child from physical and emotional harm or danger
Fail to provide adequate supervision including the use of inadequate care-giver or
Fail to ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment
Neglect or unresponsiveness to a child’s basic emotional needs.
Areas of neglect
Food Shelter and clothing Protection Hygiene Comfort Physical affection Interaction
What should you do if you find any signs or symptoms of abuse?
Make a full note in your records, and where you think it is appropriate . If there are enough serious concerns, report to children’s services (social care)
Be aware that signs will not be seen in isolation but will be part of the big picture.
It may well be that observation of any if these signs in isolation will not mean that a child is neglected. A carer may simply need advice to alleviate or prevent these signs.
Does neglect only happens in poor families?
No. Neglect is not a symptom of being poor. It can happen in any family.
Why shall we record all signs?
All signs are like a piece of a jigsaw that will help us see the big picture.
What is neglect?
Persistent failure to meet the child’s basic physical/psychological needs likely to result in the serious impairment of the child’s health or development.
