If a child needs immediate assistance from the police or ambulance services please call 999.
All children deserve to be cared for and kept safe from harm. Neglect happens when a child's basic needs are persistently not met.
When children are neglected, the long-term impact can be profound. It affects healthy brain development, leading to problems later in life.
Neglect can negatively affect:
- a child’s self-esteem
- a child’s ability to control their emotions
- how a child interacts with others
Signs of neglect
Neglect can be difficult to recognise. If you spot one of these signs, it doesn’t necessarily mean that a child is being neglected.
However, if you notice multiple signs, that are repeated consistently over a period of time, this could be neglect.
Poor appearance and hygiene and health problems
These include:
- having unwashed, dirty, or inappropriately fitting clothes
- wearing clothing that is inappropriate for the weather
- being consistently smelly or dirty in appearance
- skin rashes or head lice that is not treated
- frequent unexplained injuries or A&E attendance, indicating supervision that is not adequate for the child’s needs
- poor dental hygiene and unaddressed tooth decay
Behaviour problems
These include:
- missing school or being consistently late
- constant tiredness
- being withdrawn, having low moods or being anxious
- finding it hard to concentrate or take part in activities
- being clingy or aggressive
- self-harming or expressing suicidal ideations
Housing and family issues
An example of this could be a child being left on their own for a long time.
What to do if you are concerned about a child
If you recognise any of these signs with regards to a child or young person, you must report it straightaway.
You can:
- follow guidance available on our child protection page
- contact the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) helpline
- let a GP or health centre know – visit the Haringey GP Federation website for a list of GPs and health centres in Haringey
- contact the child’s school
- contact a Haringey children’s centre
You don’t need to be absolutely certain of what you’ve seen or heard to get in touch with us.
Information is usually gathered from many sources, and your report would form one part of a bigger picture.
You can also make the call anonymously if you don’t feel comfortable giving us your details.