Neglect

If you are in immediate danger or know another child who is then please call 999

What it is

Neglect is when you're not being looked after or cared for properly. There are some things that we feel all children and young people need and deserve, like food, drink, and to feel safe. Other things we think you should have are clean clothes and a clean home, being taken to the doctors when you're ill and being allowed to have an education. Adults in your life who look after you should be making sure you have all of these things.

If the adults in your life aren't providing these basic things that you need then that could be neglect.

What to do

Talking to someone if you feel you are being neglected is really important. You should talk to someone you trust like:

• Friend
• Teacher
• Doctor
• Youth worker
• Social worker.

You won't get into any trouble and sometimes talking to someone can make you feel better and think about whether the problem is big or small.

If you feel that you don't want to talk to anyone you know about what's happening or are too scared, you can always talk to a Childline counsellor or call them for free on 0800 1111.

You can also go to the Childline website.