Neglect toolkit - identifying risk of neglect

Disabled children are over three times more likely to be abused or neglected than non-disabled children (NSPCC - Jones et al, 2012). Some disabled children may not understand that what's happening to them is abuse and that it's wrong. Even if they do, they might not be able to ask for help. If a child is being abused by someone who looks after them or who they rely on to meet their needs it can be even harder for them to speak out or protect themselves. Parents and professionals might mistake signs that a child is being abused or neglected as part of a child's impairment. And those working with disabled children may not be trained to spot the signs of abuse and neglect.

Most children who are in care live safely but a small number do experience harm. There are a number of risk factors related to being in care which can make children more vulnerable to abuse and neglect.

Children who have been abused or neglected in the past are more likely to experience further abuse than children who haven’t been abused or neglected (NSPCC - Finkelhor, Ormrod, and Turner, 2007). This is known as revictimisation. Children who are being abused or neglected are also likely to be experiencing another form of abuse at the same time (NSPCC Finkelhor, 2008). This is known as polyvictimisation.

There don’t appear to be links between ethnic groups and child abuse or neglect. Children from black and mixed ethnic backgrounds are over-represented in the care system and in the children in need statistics. Children from Asian backgrounds are under-represented. This may be a result of a variety of issues including racial discrimination, language barriers, community and cultural norms and practices, such as female genital mutilation or harsh physical discipline, inadequate or inappropriate services or no action being taken for fear of upsetting cultural norms. (NSPCC).

research has found that children living in the most deprived neighbourhoods have a greater chance of being on a child protection plan or being taken into care than children in the least deprived areas (Jütte at al, 2014).There's also a link between physical discipline, stress and lower socio-economic groups.

Due to low incomes and/or living in poorer neighbourhoods. Housing worries on top of money worries can put a lot of stress on parents. This can stop them being able to provide the practical and emotional support that children need.

This could be due to living in an isolated area, having language difficulties or cultural differences. Research has found that there are clear links between social isolation and child abuse or neglect (Jütte at al, 2014).

Loss of employment, lost or lower income, increased financial pressure on families. Relationship breakdowns, mental health and physical health (impact of Coronavirus).