Cases of child neglect raise assessment dilemmas that are often more complex than cases of physical or sexual abuse. This book highlights the personal, professional and organizational factors that influence the identification and assessment of child neglect and explores ways in which the practice may be improved.

Cases of child neglect raise assessment dilemmas that are often more complex than cases of physical or sexual abuse. This important book highlights the personal, professional and organizational factors that influence the identification and assessment of child neglect and explores ways in which current practice may be improved. Drawing on new and existing research evidence, it provides a thorough and insightful overview of this taxing area of professional practice, emphasizing throughout the importance of effective multidisciplinary working.

Introduction - PART ONE: IDENTIFYING NEGLECT: WHAT IT IS AND WHAT IT DOES TO CHILDREN - Defining Child Neglect: The Influence of Time and Place - Living with Child Neglect: The Impact on Children - PART TWO: ASSESSING THE CARE-GIVER AND THE CARE-GIVING CONTEXT - Carer's Behaviours: The Past Influencing the Present? - Parenting Issues and Child Neglect: What
do we Know? - The Care-Giving Context - PART THREE: REFERRAL AND ASSESSMENT: PRACTICE REALITY - Identifying and Referring Cases of Child Neglect: The Theory and the Practice - The
Assessment Task and Process: Factors that Promote and Inhibit a Child Focus - PART FOUR: MOVING PRACTICE FORWARD - The Assessment Challenges and Best Practice - Working with Child
Neglect: Developing Practitioner and Organisational Capacity