Neglect

In England, neglect is recognised as a serious safeguarding concern for both children and adults.

For children, it includes not meeting essential needs like:

• food
• clothing
• medical care
• education
• emotional support.

It also covers situations where a parent or carer fails to protect a child from harm or danger. Children Act 2004

For adults, neglect is defined under the Care Act 2014 and includes failing to provide necessary care such as:

• help with hygiene, nutrition, or health needs.
• ignoring someone’s emotional or psychological needs.

England also recognises that neglect can begin before birth, such as when a pregnant person misuses substances.

The law highlights that neglect often builds up over time and can cause lasting harm, even if it’s not immediately obvious. 

In Northern Ireland, neglect is understood as a failure to meet a person’s basic needs, which can lead to serious and long-term harm.

For children, this includes not providing:

• proper care
• supervision
• support for their development.

For adults, neglect is defined as failing to protect someone’s health, well-being, property, or rights, especially when they are unable to protect themselves.

This includes both family and institutional settings.

Northern Ireland also recognises self-neglect, where a person may not care for themselves due to mental or physical health issues.

The law encourages cooperation between services under the Children (NI) Order 1995 and the Adult Safeguarding Prevention and Protection in Partnership Policy.

It also highlights that neglect can be fatal, especially in early childhood, and stresses the importance of early intervention. 

In Scotland, neglect is seen as a failure to meet a person’s basic needs, which can lead to harm or put them at risk.

For children, it’s described as persistent failure to provide care and protection, affecting their health or development.

Scotland also acknowledges that even a single incident of neglect can be harmful.

Physical abuse - Child Protection Scotland

For adults, neglect includes situations where someone is unable to care for themselves and others fail to provide support.

This is covered under the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007. Scotland places strong emphasis on the child or adult’s experience, including being left alone, ignored, or unsupported.

It also encourages professionals to work together across services and to consider the needs of siblings or other family members when assessing neglect. 

In Wales, neglect is defined as failing to meet a person’s physical, emotional, social, or psychological needs in a way that is likely to harm their well-being.

This applies to both children and adults at risk.

The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 makes it clear that neglect is not the same as poverty—neglect can happen even when resources are available but are not used to meet someone’s needs.

Wales also recognises identity neglect, such as ignoring someone’s cultural, religious, or gender-related needs.

Neglect may happen in episodes or build up over time, and the law highlights the importance of recognising cumulative harm.

The focus is on protecting dignity and ensuring people receive the care and support they need.