Guidance issued on supporting teens at risk of neglect

The guide, called Neglect Matters, aims to help those working with teenagers to better spot signs of neglect and ensure organisations work together to support victims.

According to the guide, neglect of teenagers often does not receive the same attention as cases involving younger people. This comes in spite of analysis of serious case reviews between 2002 and 2005, which found that a quarter of young people and children who died or were injured were over 11 years old. About one in 10 were over 16.

Neglected teenagers are often known to children's professionals, such as social services, as they have experienced maltreatment over a long period of time. However, the same serious case review analysis found that by the time of a serious incident, "little or no help was being offered because agencies appeared to have run out of helping strategies".

A focus of the guide is on preventing neglect. Advice offered includes ensuring all children's professionals are aware of signs such as lack of parental control or knowledge about their child's whereabouts.

Professionals are also urged to watch out for lack of warmth from parents towards their child as well as disinterest.

The guide is part of the government-funded Safeguarding Children Research Initiative, which was set up in response to the death of Victoria Climbie.