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Taking a Look at Child Neglect

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This piece of work will focus on child neglect and will give a clear and precise understanding of relevant legal issues, appropriate theories and safeguarding practise. Unlike physical or sexual abuse, in which specific abusive acts are directed towards a child, neglect is typically defined by the absence of provision for a child’s basic needs (Gough, 2005). During the past 20 years, the subject and nature of child neglect has been drawn to the notion that this may impact on a child’s development and mental wellbeing. Neglect has been called the ‘Cinderella’ of child welfare topics due to the relative lack of attention the subject has attracted (Tanner and Turney,2006).

How can we define neglect?
The Working Together to Safeguard Children report (2013) defines neglect as persistent failings to meet a child's basic physical and psychological needs, for which could result in the serious consequences of the child's health. In essence, neglect may involve a parent or carer failing to:
• provide adequate food, clothing and shelter (including exclusion from home or abandonment);
• protect a child from physical and emotional harm or danger;
• ensure adequate supervision (including the use of inadequate care-givers); or
• ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment.
It may also include neglect of, or unresponsiveness to, a child's basic emotional needs.
(Working Together 2013)

Numerous forms of neglect can be found within families and may effect one or more

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