In 2014, almost 25,000 children in the UK were found to need protection from neglect. It remains the most common reason for a young person to be on a child protection plan. And, since 2014, the so-called Cinderella law has meant that emotional, as well as physical, neglect or abuse of child also counts as a crime.
Neglect can be difficult to spot; it can be characterised by the absence of something as much as its presence. And there is a need for multi-agency collaboration to help children affected by neglect. Schools, social care, health services and youth groups all have their part to play in preventing, recognising and responding to neglect.
To discuss these issues, we’ve put together a panel of experts from across different sectors. The discussion will take place on Wednesday 11 November, between 12 and 2pm. We’ll be looking at:
- How professionals from different agencies can work together to tackle child neglect.
- The specific roles of social care, schools and health services.
- The importance of early intervention and prevention.
- Recognising the signs and symptoms of neglect.
- Examples of good practice.
The discussion takes place in the comments section below this article. Taking part is easier than ever: you can create a free Guardian account, or log in using your Twitter or Facebook profiles to comment. Alternatively, you can tweet us @GdnSocialCare, follow the discussion on #GdnNeglect or email us to post your questions for you.
Panellists
Alison O’Sullivan, president, Association of Directors of Children’s Services
Anne Longfield, children’s commissioner
Eleanor Schooling, director of social care, Ofsted (unable to attend due to illness)
Alice Haynes, senior policy and research analyst, NSPCC
Yvalia Febrer, social work academic and consultant specialising in child protection
Marion Russell, principal child and family social worker, Cornwall council
Diane Hampshire, recently retired director of nursing, Leeds clinical commissioning group
Leora Cruddas, policy director, Association of School and College Leaders
Susannah Bowyer, research and development manager, Research in Practice
Karen Goodman, professional officer, British Association of Social Workers
Fiona Smith, professional lead for children and young people’s nursing, Royal College of Nursing
Simon Westwood, Local Safeguarding Children Board chair
Discussion commissioned and controlled by the Guardian, funded by the NSPCC.
