The charity’s Keeping Children Safe report argues current legislation, passed in 1933, is out of date.
It claims that the legal definition, which covers neglect causing physical injury is too narrow. Action for Children wants to see the definition widened to take into account the long-term emotional harm that can also be the result of neglect.
Chief executive Dame Clare Tickell said: “Neglect is the most common form of child abuse affecting children in the UK, yet we have an outdated law that does not reflect what we now understand children need and what neglect actually is.
“The law leaves children unprotected and parents without support and unclear about their responsibilities until it’s too late.”
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