CYP Now - Resources: Review - A call to halt the neglect of 'neglect'

The intractability and insidiousness of neglect is clearly conveyed by the authors. They identify two striking features about neglect. Firstly, its scale and severity, with neglect being more serious in terms of outcomes for children, families and society than other forms of abuse. Secondly, the lack of specific attention accorded to neglect by research, social policy and practice compared with other abuse.

The authors are unhappy with this situation, stating that "it is as if no-one cares, neither the parents of neglected children, nor their society".

The book comprehensively reviews predominantly North American literature and examines research, policy and practice matters. It analyses definitional, theoretical, policy and intervention issues. Separate chapters cover the relationship between neglectful families and culture, substance abuse, and poverty.

There is a strong correlation between poverty and neglect. While poverty does not cause neglect, it is a significant risk factor. The authors make an impassioned argument about the lack of societal responsibility in the US for addressing poverty and thus neglect. They stress that any strategy to reduce neglect must address material disadvantage, but lament that the US political climate is not conducive to this.

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