A comprehensive, independent resource covering child neglect, elder neglect, self-neglect, and emotional neglect. Clear guidance for everyone — families, professionals, and those experiencing neglect.
Neglect is the most common form of child abuse in the UK, and one of the most under-recognised forms of harm across all age groups. We're building the most comprehensive neglect resource in Britain.
Understanding the signs of child neglect, the impact on child development, and how to report concerns to children's social care services. Covering physical neglect, educational neglect, and supervisory neglect.
Often invisible but deeply damaging. Learn to recognise emotional neglect in childhood and adulthood, understand its long-term effects on mental health, and find pathways to recovery and healing.
Recognising neglect of older adults in care homes, hospitals, and the community. Your rights under UK safeguarding legislation, how to raise concerns with the CQC, and where to find advocacy and support.
When individuals are unable to care for their own basic needs — personal hygiene, nutrition, health, or living conditions. Understanding the causes, the link to hoarding, and how professionals and families can help.
A clear guide to the legal framework around neglect in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The Children Act, Care Act 2014, safeguarding duties, and what the law requires of professionals and organisations.
Practical toolkits for teachers, social workers, healthcare staff, and care workers. Assessment frameworks, referral guidance, information sharing protocols, and continuing professional development resources.
Neglect is the ongoing failure to meet a person's basic physical, emotional, or psychological needs. It is the most common form of child maltreatment in the United Kingdom and a significant concern across adult safeguarding.
Unlike other forms of abuse, neglect is often characterised by an absence — of adequate food, clothing, warmth, supervision, medical care, or emotional responsiveness. This makes it harder to identify but no less harmful in its impact.
Neglect can affect anyone: children and young people who depend on caregivers for their basic needs; older adults in care settings or living alone; vulnerable adults with disabilities, mental health conditions, or substance misuse issues; and individuals experiencing self-neglect, where they are unable or unwilling to care for themselves.
The effects of neglect can be profound and long-lasting, affecting physical health, brain development, emotional wellbeing, educational attainment, and the ability to form healthy relationships throughout life.
Neglect can be difficult to identify because it often develops gradually. No single sign confirms neglect, but a pattern of indicators should prompt concern. Here are some of the most common warning signs to look for.
Poor hygiene — unwashed skin, matted hair, persistent body odour, or unchanged nappies in young children
Inadequate clothing — clothes that are too small, inappropriate for the weather, or consistently dirty
Hunger and malnutrition — frequently arriving at school hungry, stealing food, or showing signs of poor nutrition
Untreated medical needs — missed appointments, untreated dental problems, injuries or conditions left without care
Unsafe living conditions — hazardous, unsanitary, or extremely cold or overcrowded home environments
Lack of supervision — young children left alone, or left in the care of inappropriate or unsafe individuals
Emotional withdrawal — appearing listless, anxious, or detached; low self-esteem or difficulty forming attachments
Frequent absences — persistent non-attendance at school, medical appointments, or social engagements
Developmental delays — falling behind developmental milestones without clear medical explanation
Pressure sores or immobility issues — in older adults, untreated sores, dehydration, or unexplained weight loss
Isolation — being kept away from friends, family, or services, particularly in care home settings
Hoarding or squalid conditions — in self-neglect cases, an inability to maintain a safe living environment
Our team is developing a comprehensive library of guides, tools, and directories to support anyone affected by or working to prevent neglect across the UK.
Detailed articles on recognising, reporting, and recovering from all forms of neglect
Find the right reporting pathway for your area — children's services, adult safeguarding, CQC, and police
Self-assessment and professional screening tools for identifying neglect concerns
CPD materials and guidance for teachers, social workers, healthcare professionals, and care staff
Plain-English explanations of UK neglect legislation across all four nations
Curated directory of helplines, counselling services, and support organisations across the UK
Neglect.co.uk is currently under development. We're creating the UK's most comprehensive, accessible, and independent resource on neglect — for families, professionals, and those who need support.
Leave your email and we'll let you know when the full site goes live.