Child Neglect is a complex and challenging area of work for safeguarding practitioners. Research and learning from Serious Case Reviews tell us that neglect is multi-faceted and requires a robust multi-agency response in order that we tackle it effectively.
On this page you’ll find resources and tools which support effective practice in safeguarding.
Tools for assessing Neglect
The Graded Care Profile (GCP) equips professionals to work with families in identifying the presence and nature of neglect within a family. The GCP is designed to be used by any professional in any agency working with a family where there is a concern about the care of the children. It is relevant to Health Professionals, Early Help, Education, Think Family and Children Social Care.
Instead of giving a diagnosis of neglect, it defines the care showing both strengths and weaknesses.
The Quality of Care Tool is an assessment model which was specifically designed to look at neglect, and help professionals and parents to focus on the key areas that need intervention. It supports open discussions with families, and enables a very clear baseline of current functioning to be taken. Focussed plans to address difficulties are easier to develop, and “rescoring” at key intervals enables all involved to measure progress objectively. It is a child centred approach which can be used to measure their strengths, weaknesses and what needs to change.
The Quality of Care Tool enables practitioners to gather evidence and can be useful in the court arena or with managers to argue the case for court interventions.
The Cardiff University, Department of Child Health and NSPCC have produced Core-Info leaflets on how neglect and emotional abuse affects children aged;
