Neglected Children

With the increasing incidence of child abuse, emphasis is now being placed on strategies to enable prevention. Neglect is the most problematic form of abuse, because of the threshold of acceptability, issues related to culture, and effects of poverty. By its very nature, it is an ongoing problem and an area which is not clearly defined. It is clear that the extent of risk to children in relation to neglect needs to be evaluated and reviewed, to enable the appropriate response to be made within the available legislation. Definitions, assessment and interventions need to be viewed separately to enable neglect to be addressed and prevent further abuse. This volume supports the view that social workers need to be more proactive in their work in cases of neglect. It offers guidance and support to professionals who have to manage these situations.