Warning over child neglect 'rise'

More than one in 10 professionals working with children have seen an increase in suspected cases of neglect in the last 12 months, according to Action for Children.

Of the 2,000 primary school, pre-school, nursery and health workers questioned, a fifth warned they had received no training to combat the problem.

The charity warned early stage neglect was an overlooked area of child protection and voiced fears that neglected children will continue to "slip through the net with potentially devastating consequences".

More than half of those surveyed said being able to report less serious suspicions earlier would be helpful when dealing with suspected child neglect, while 44% said clearer guidance from the Government or their employers on when to intervene would also make a difference.

Clare Tickell, of Action for Children, said: "Neglect is a growing problem and one we must fix.

"Frontline staff are key to identifying early signs of neglect and giving children and families long term stable support to tackle the causes.

"Yet many professionals are telling us that they lack sufficient training and information to appropriately deal with suspected neglect. The Government must listen to what is being said and act to support early intervention."

Studies suggest that up to 10% of children in the UK actually experience neglect, she said.

Nearly one in five felt the recession was partly responsible (15%) and a third said it was due to reduced family finances (33%).