The quote above from a Local Child Safeguarding Practice Review reminds us of the question: why, when the signs are so often visible, does it still take so long to respond to neglect?
Neglect is often the most prevalent yet least understood form of child harm. This course challenges traditional perceptions and encourages practitioners to move beyond a narrow, incident-focused understanding toward a more nuanced, contextual view of neglect.
Rethinking Our View of Neglect explores how neglect develops over time, considering the cumulative impact of unmet needs on a child’s development, wellbeing, and life chances. Participants will examine how poverty, parental capacity, societal expectations, and systemic factors intersect, helping to distinguish between situational hardship and harmful patterns of care.
Through reflective discussion, real-world case examples, and evidence-informed approaches, the course supports professionals to:
- Recognise the complex and often chronic nature of neglect
- Understand the child’s lived experience and voice
- Identify early indicators and patterns, rather than isolated incidents
- Challenge professional drift and optimism bias
- Strengthen decision-making and intervention planning
This course is designed for safeguarding professionals who want to build confidence in identifying and responding to neglect, while developing a more compassionate, curious, and critically reflective practice.