A study of serious case reviews between 2016 and 2018: what are the key barriers for social workers in identifying and responding to child neglect?
| Date | 07 February 2020 |
| Pages | 1-14 |
| Published date | 07 February 2020 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JCS-04-2019-0024 |
| Author | Linda Solem,Clive Diaz,Lauren Hill |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Vulnerable groups,Children's services,Sociology,Sociology of the family,Children/youth,Parents,Education,Early childhood education,Home culture,Social/physical development |
A study of serious case reviews between
2016 and 2018: what are the key barriers
for social workers in identifying and
responding to child neglect?
Linda Solem, Clive Diaz and Lauren Hill
Abstract
Purpose –Child neglect is the most common form of maltreatment but is also one of the most
complex. Neglect has a long-term negative impact on children and young people’s development and
wellbeing. This study examined 20 recent serious case reviews that had taken place in England where
neglect was a feature. The purpose of this study is sought to explore the barriers, which exist for social
workers in England in identifying and responding to neglect in a timely, appropriate and effective
manner.
Design/methodology/approach –Thematic analysis identified four main themes that were likely to
impactupon effective interventions.
Findings –Challenges in terms of the definition of neglect and how to identify it; the use of neglect
toolkits;the impact of organisational cultureson practice and the voice of the child.
Originality/value –In spite of its prevalencethere is a dearth of literature relating specificallyto the issue
of neglect. There is a need for further research to be undertaken because of the acknowledged,
seriousness and potential longstanding negative impact on children even into adulthood (Horwath,
2013). It is hoped that this study provides a useful insight into some of the barriers that exist for social
workersin working effectively with children and familiesfor whom neglect is an issue.
Keywords Social work, Child protection, Safeguarding, Serious case reviews, Neglect, Child abuse
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
Child neglect is the most common form of maltreatment in England (Action for Children,
2015). It is also the most commonreason for a child to be made subject to a child protection
plan (which is the point at which a local authority commits targeted resources to safeguard
and promote the welfare of a child who is considered to be at risk of serious harm) and it is
estimated that 46 per cent of children in England are subject to a child protection plan
because of neglect (Bentley et al.,2017). It is important to acknowledge that as awareness
and education in relation to neglect increases, the reporting of such issues is likely to
increase (Creighton, 2004). It is challenging to compare international prevalence rates for
child neglect, as different countries have different views regarding the thresholds for
identifying what constitutes neglect, as well as different ways of gathering and interpreting
data relating to neglect (Corby et al.,2012).
In recent years, there has been a welcome increase in the amount of research focusing on
neglect, however, much of the literature refers to abuse and neglect; with greater focus
being placed on abuse, which is considered easier to identify (Tanner and Turney, 2003).
Linda Solem is based at the
South Gloucestershire
Council, Bristol, UK.
Clive Diaz is based at the
Cardiff University, Cardiff,
UK. Lauren Hill is based at
the School for Policy
Studies, University of
Bristol, Bristol, UK.
Received 15 April 2019
Revised 15 July 2019
Accepted 18 December 2019
DOI 10.1108/JCS-04-2019-0024 VOL. 15 NO. 1 2020, pp. 1-14, ©Emerald Publishing Limited, ISSN 1746-6660 jJOURNAL OF CHILDREN’S SERVICES jPAGE 1
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