Neglect

Neglect Strategy
Together with multi-agency partners the DSCP has developed a neglect strategy which establishes strategic aims, objectives and priorities for Doncaster’s approach to tackling neglect. The overarching aim of the strategy is to ensure the early recognition of neglect and improved responses to it by all agencies, so that life changes of children are promptly improved and the risk of harm is reduced.

What is Neglect?

Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child’s/young person’s basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of the child’s/young person’s health or development. Neglect may occur during pregnancy for example as a result of maternal substance abuse, or neglect of the unborn baby's medical needs. Once a child is born, neglect may involve a parent or carer failing to:

  • provide adequate and appropriate food of nutritional value, clothing and shelter (including exclusion from home or abandonment)
  • protect a child/young person from physical and emotional harm or danger
  • ensure adequate supervision (including the use of inadequate caregivers)
  • ensure access to appropriate medical care, treatment or dietary requirements


Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018 - Working together to safeguard children - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Supporting Practitioners
As part of the strategy, we are working to implement the Graded Care Profile Tool. This is an evidence based tool that has been tested and designed to help child care professionals when working with neglect. Through training our practitioners across Doncaster to use this tool in everyday practice with families.  This will enable us to recognise early signs of neglect and to work together in partnership with families to respond to neglect.

Neglect Champions
As part our commitment to tackle neglect, partners across Doncaster will introduce Champions against Neglect. The expectation is that Champions will become experts in responding to neglect; provide support and guidance to others and contribute towards the strategic approach to tackling neglect across the borough. If you are interested in becoming a Neglect Champion, please email dscp@doncaster.gov.uk

Adult self-neglect and/or hoarding – policy and procedure
This Policy and procedure focuses on adults considered to be self-neglecting or hoarding – it may be that a self-neglecting or hoarding adult is a parent or a carer for children, or there may be children living or visiting the house.   You can access the Adult Self Neglect Policy and Procedure via Safeguarding Adults Policy and Procedures - Doncaster Council