Is the child in immediate danger?
If you suspect a child is in immediate danger, you must call the police on 999.
What is meant by child neglect?
Child neglect can manifest in many different ways and is considered a form of child abuse. It usually happens when an adult fails to meet a child’s basic needs.
A child suffering from neglect may:
- Be left unsupervised
- Be left to go hungry
- Be left unwashed
- Be left without clean clothing
- Be denied medical care
- Be denied access to education
Neglect from parents or carers can cause serious, long-term damage, including stunted development, physical injury and, in some cases, even death. Unfortunately, it’s quite common for a child suffering neglect to also be subject to other types of abuse.
Our team understands that reporting neglect can be extremely difficult. If you’re considering doing so, please contact us so that we can advise you further. We work closely with the Association of Child Abuse Lawyers (ACAL) so we can offer the level of support you deserve.
What are the different forms of child neglect?
Child neglect can occur in several different ways, and someone can also experience multiple types of neglect at once.
Physical neglect
Physical neglect occurs when a child’s safety and wellbeing are compromised, such as when they aren’t protected from physical harm or lack a safe home environment. It can also be a failure to provide food, clothing or shelter, and also allowing a child to use drugs or alcohol, or commit − or be witness to − criminal offences. Expectant mothers who use illegal drugs or abuse alcohol during pregnancy may also be regarded as neglectful.
Emotional neglect
Emotional neglect may include a failure to protect a child from emotional harm, or failure to provide the love, care and attention that children need.
Medical neglect
If a child isn’t provided with appropriate health or dental care, or medical recommendations are ignored, this can be classified as a case of medical neglect.
Educational neglect
Failure to ensure that a child receives an education can be classed as educational neglect.
If you suffered neglect, you may be able to make a claim for child neglect compensation against the person or people who neglected you (e.g. your parents or carers).
Making a child neglect compensation claim against the neglecter
If you or a loved one has suffered neglect that was caused by an individual, you may want to pursue a civil claim against them. To make a successful claim, we must be able to show:
- That the neglect took place: If the offender has been convicted, the process will be more straightforward. We will assist in proving the neglect by gathering supportive statements, expert evidence and relevant documents to strengthen your case.
- That the claim has been brought within the time limit: The time limit for claims is three years from the neglect or knowledge of it, or before age 21 for neglect that occurred in childhood. Bolt Burdon Kemp’s expert team is experienced in securing court extensions for claims outside this limit.
- That the survivor has suffered damage and is entitled to compensation: Our experienced team will gather witness statements from the survivor, family and friends to highlight the impact of the neglect. We will also instruct a medical expert to prepare a medico-legal report detailing the harm caused. This evidence will be used by us to secure the maximum possible compensation.
Making a child neglect compensation claim against a local authority
You may wish to bring a civil claim for neglect against the local authority responsible for ensuring someone’s welfare and safety. Local authorities have a duty of care to protect children within their area. By establishing that they failed to carry out that duty by delaying or failing to remove a child from a neglectful home, they may be held liable and ordered to pay compensation to the survivor.
How Bolt Burdon Kemp can assist with child neglect claims
At Bolt Burdon Kemp, we understand that money cannot take away the pain of mistreatment and neglect. However, it can help secure a better future. Contact us online to start the process. Please know that our team is highly experienced in sensitive cases like these.
Most of our claims are taken on a ‘no win no fee’ basis, which means you won’t face upfront costs unless your claim is successful. Find out whether you could have a valid claim and read our claims process for more information.
