Spot the Signs of Neglect

Neglect can be difficult to spot. Some possible signs of neglect in children and young people are:

• Constantly being hungry or looking underweight.
• Being left alone at home or without adult supervision for long periods.
• Staying out late without adult supervision.
• Ongoing health and development problems that don’t have a clear cause.
• Frequent accidents and injuries.
• A consistently dirty appearance and unwashed clothing.
• Inappropriate clothing for the weather.
• Not being brought to appointments and missing too much school.
• Changes in behaviour such as becoming withdrawn and anxious or aggressive.
• Showing signs of anxiety or other mental health issues, sometimes alongside experimenting with alcohol or drugs.
• Displaying extreme behaviours, such as self-harm or lashing out.
• Missing a lot of school or college.