Neglect

Our Response to Neglect

In Rotherham we are working to prevent and reduce child neglect. This is everyone’s responsibility, and we all need to work together.

What is Neglect?

In England, neglect is defined as the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of the child’s health or development.

(Source: Working together to safeguard children 2023: statutory guidance)

The NSPCC defines the types of Neglect as:

Physical neglect

A child's basic needs, such as food, clothing or shelter, are not met or they are not properly supervised or kept safe.

Educational neglect

A parent doesn't ensure their child is given an education.

Emotional neglect

A child doesn't get the nurture and stimulation they need. This could be through ignoring, humiliating, intimidating or isolating them.

Medical neglect

A child isn't given proper health care. This includes dental care and refusing or ignoring medical recommendations.

(Source: Neglect is also Child Abuse: Know All About It | NSPCC)

Learn more about Neglect

Learn more about our response to Neglect in Rotherham and how you can help.

  • Spot the Signs

    Learn how to spot what Neglect looks like for children and young people.

  • Report Concerns

    Members of the public can report concerns about a child or young person to the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) on 01709 336080. If a child or young person is in immediate danger, call the police on 999.

  • Support for Professionals

    Professionals working with children and young people should use the RESHHAPED Neglect screening tool and associated guidance.

  • Neglect Strategy

    Read our strategy to reduce and prevent the incidence of Neglect in Rotherham.

Our Priorities

The RSCP currently works to the following strategic priorities to ensure that the children of Rotherham are safeguarded by multi-agency partners.

  • Child Exploitation

    Preventing and responding to criminal and sexual exploitation, improving safety in communities, and addressing defined risks including extremism.

  • Neglect

    Reducing the incidence of neglect through early help, consistent professional practice, and better awareness of signs, risks, and routes to support.

  • Safeguarding in Education

    Working with education partners and the statutory agencies to address risks for children in school and those not currently receiving a school education.

  • Performance, Practice and Learning

    Using data and quality assurance to drive improvement, target partnership activity, and deliver training and shared learning across the system.