Working Together to Safeguard Children 2013 guidance describes neglect as the "persistent failure to meet a child's basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of the child's health or development". This can manifest itself in a parent or carer failing to provide adequate food, clothing or shelter; protect a child from physical or emotional harm; ensure adequate supervision; access to appropriate medical care; and be unresponsive to basic emotional needs.
The Serious Crime Act 2015 updated the legal definition of neglect, and the forms it takes:
Government figures suggest the number of children experiencing neglect, as defined by police and social work, has risen in the past five years. Recorded offences of cruelty to children and young people - the category in which neglect is included - have risen from 6,087 in 2010/11 to 8,935 in 2014/15, a 46 per cent increase (see graphic). The rise in cruelty offences has been even greater over the past decade, with today's figures 77 per cent higher than in 2005/06.
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