Neglect (Children)
Neglect (Children)
Neglect is the ongoing failure to meet a child’s basic physical, emotional, educational or medical needs.
Neglect is the most common form of child abuse and can have serious and long-lasting effects on a child’s development, wellbeing and safety.
Protecting vulnerable babies
In February 2026, the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel published Protecting All Vulnerable Babies Better, a national review following the death of baby Victoria Marten. The review highlights the importance of identifying risks during pregnancy and infancy and strengthening partnership working to protect unborn babies and infants who may be at risk of serious harm. It provides learning and recommendations for safeguarding partners, health services, local authorities, and other agencies across England.
The review reinforces the need for professionals and organisations to work together effectively, share information appropriately, and ensure that vulnerable babies and their families receive timely support and intervention when needed.
Read the full report: Protecting All Vulnerable Babies Better
In Manchester, all professionals and members of the community have a role to play in identifying and responding to neglect. Early recognition and timely intervention are essential to protect children and help families get the right support.
All Age Neglect Toolkit
The All Age Neglect Toolkit is designed to help practitioners in Manchester feel confident in identifying, responding and acting on concerns of both neglect and self-neglect.
It can be used by any agency to risk assess and recognise when referral for further assessment is required.
To accompany the All Age Neglect Toolkit we have created video resources to support it’s implementation.
Child Practice Reviews
Neglect has been an pervading theme in many of our Child Practice Reviews or Serious Case Reviews.
‘Kyle’(pseudonym) was aged 5 when he tragically drowned whilst he was left in the bath with his sisters (aged five and two years old) without adult supervision. To read the review please visit our Learning from Practice page.
Neglect Strategy
Responding to Neglect – Enabling Children to Thrive (2026–2029) sets out Manchester Safeguarding Partnership’s commitment to tackling neglect as a priority form of abuse through early, compassionate and child‑centred responses. The strategy promotes a whole‑family, poverty‑aware approach, focused on early identification, strong multi‑agency working and listening to children’s lived experiences. Its aim is to reduce harm, improve outcomes and ensure all children and young people in Manchester have the opportunity to thrive in safe, supportive environments.