Child Neglect In The Uk

Neglect has now been identified as the most common form of child maltreatment within the United Kingdom. It is therefore vital that children’s services are proactive and up to date in their understanding of the issue (NSPCC, 2015). Until recently, available research on child neglect within the UK has been limited (Farmer & Lutman, 2014). While the gap in research is beginning to narrow, there is a pressing need for research evidence on neglect to continue to improve, in order to improve practice around parental neglect (Farmer & Lutman, 2014). First and foremost an exploration of the current definition of neglect is required. On from the identification of a working definition, the following essay will endeavor to explore; the current picture of neglect within the UK; risk factors in neglect; the impact upon children; the ecological, developmental and attachment perspectives with regard to enhancing practice; and finally intervention opportunities, with specific reference to community models, the involvement of fathers, strengths based, resilience focused methods and attachment based work with parents. For purpose of this essay
In the year 2013/14 the police recorded 9,516 cruelty and neglect offences against children within the UK. This statistic is the highest number of neglect offences recorded in a decade. In the year 2015 over 24,300 children came to the attention of children’s services due to needing protection from neglect (NSPCC, 2016). In addition, it is noted that neglect is recognised as a factor within 60% of serious case reviews (NSPCC, 2016). While the figures are clear in representing the rise in the recording of neglect within the UK, the statistics by no means reflect the true number of children suffering from neglect. All police recorded crime statistics are impacted by levels of under-reporting, it is therefore impossible for the statistics to present the full