Noticing and helping the neglected child: A Review of the literature

This report presents findings from a systematic literature review examining the evidence on the extent to which practicioners are equpped to recoconise and respond to the indicators that a child's needs are likely to be or are being neglected, whatever the cause. It considers published evidence about the ways in which children and families signal their need for help, how those signals are recognised and responded to and whether response could be swifter. The aim was to contribute to the evidence base that equips: 1. Practitioners with the information they need to be able and willing to recognise that a child's needs are not being met, or are in danger of being unmet, and consider themselves as part of a protective network around children; 2. Organisations with the information they need to ensure that their services are easily accessible to children and parents who need support and help; 3. Policy makers who make recommendations to the health, education and social care sectors regarding the needs of and response to neglected children; 4. Education and training bodies, both statutory and volunary, who provide access to and information about the evidence to relevant individuals. The research questions addressed in the review were: 1. What is known about the ways in which children and families directly and indirectly signal their need for help? 2. To what extent are practitioners equipped to recognise and respond to the indications that a child's needs are likely to be, or are being neglected, whatever the cause? 3. Does the evidence suggest that professional response could be swifter?