Last updated by ruth.salter@essex.gov.uk on Thursday, May 7, 2026

The Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel has published a thematic analysis examining multi-agency responses to child neglect in cases of serious harm or death in England. The paper draws on a literature review, and analysis of 100 rapid reviews and 34 child safeguarding practice reviews.

It explores the prevalence and impact of neglect; how definitional ambiguity delays interventions and contributes to fragmented responses; systemic barriers; the relationship between poverty and neglect; and children’s lived experiences.

The literature review looks at the nature and impacts of child neglect, exploring neglect across the childhood spectrum, as well as protective and risk factors. The Panel has also produced an animation highlighting key learning from the analysis.

Read the thematic analysis: Child neglect: a thematic analysis  

Watch the animation: Neglect: video explainers