Neglect
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Neglect is the failure to provide for a child's needs. This includes basic physical, emotional, educational and medical needs. All children and young people have a right to live in a safe and loving home.
What every child and young person needs
As a child or young person, you should have:
- love, care and attention from parents or guardians
- a balanced diet
- somewhere warm, dry and comfortable to sleep
- clean and warm clothes
- shoes that fit and keep your feet dry
- safety from harm in and outside the home
- help when you’re ill or need treatment
- support with your education
Are you worried about yourself or a friend?
There may be many reasons why your parent or carer fails to meet your needs.
Your parents might be struggling with mental health, alcohol or drug problems.
Money troubles can cause problems or there may be stress and arguments in the home.
Do you think a friend or someone you know is being neglected? Are they:
- always hungry and asking for food?
- smelly, dirty of wearing old or ill-fitting clothes?
- missing from school or come to school when they are ill?
- lonely or don’t seem to have many friends?
- ignored or unloved by their parents?
If you think that you, or someone you know, is being neglected, you need to get help.
Who can help?
Talk to someone close to you who you trust. Tell them why you’re worried and who you are worried about. This may be your health visitor, school nurse, nursery or school.
You could also contact us.
You can also report a concern about someone who is being neglected by calling the police on 111. If you think someone is in danger, or it's an emergency, you can call the police on 999.
Chat health
This is confidential and anonymous help provided by the School Nursing Service. Contact them on:
- Text service: 07840 635 363
- Duty line: 01922 423 349 (Mon - Friday between 9am and 5pm)
Childline
You could also phone Childline on 0800 11 11 or visit the Childline website.
Childline is a free, private and confidential service for anyone under 19 in the UK. You can talk to them about any problems you of your friends might have.
Watch the video below to see the impact alcohol abuse has on families and how Childline provides support for those who need it.
