With contributions from internationally recognized experts, this edited volume presents original thinking on the theory, research and practice surrounding child neglect.
Comprehensive and current, the book takes an expansive look at how we can better address this prevalent issue. It explores the effects of neglect on the developing child and makes recommendations on how to identify neglect at the earliest opportunity. It addresses common causal and contributing factors in neglect cases and the impact of these on children.
The book details effective intervention techniques alongside case vignettes and shows how change can be achieved. It highlights the importance of supporting parental care and developing parental responsibility in families w here children are neglected. Chapters provide in-depth descriptive examples and include a summary of learning points. Including practical suggestions for combating child neglect, this is an essential guide to best practice for students and practitioners w orking w ith children and families. The book also contains useful insights relevant to researchers and policy makers.
Introduction. Ruth Gardner, University of East Anglia and NSPCC, UK. Part 1: The effects of child neglect: Understanding and responding. 1: The effects of emotional neglect in the first two years of life. Jane Barlow, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, UK. 2: Child neglect and the development of communication. Jan McAllister, University of East Anglia, UK and Wendy Lee, The Communication Trust, UK. 3: Making a difference to the neglected child's lived experience. Jan Horwath, Sheffield University, UK. Part Two: Perspectives on child neglect. 4: Child neglect, the research landscape. Debra Allnock, University of Bedfordshire, UK. 5: Learning from children and young people about neglect. Sarah Gorin, Consultant Researcher, UK. 6: General Practitioners' responses to child neglect. Jenny Woodman, General Practitioner, UK. 7: Responding to child neglect: Learning from Serious Case Reviews. Marian Brandon and Pippa Belderson,University of East Anglia, UK. Part Three: Preventing and reversing child neglect: An international picture. 8: 'What happens?' and 'what works?' with Sign of Safety. Amanda Bunn, Freelance Research Consultant and Practitioner, UK, Leigh Taylor, Senior Practitioner, Edinburgh, UK, Dan Koziolek, Carver County Community Social Services (CCCSS), Minnesota, USA and Andrew Turnell, Director, Signs of Safety ®, Australia. 9: Practices targeting child neglect: The use of SafeCare® to enhance parenting skills to reduce neglect. Whitney L. Rostad, Mark Chaffin Center for Healthy Development, Georgia State University, USA, John R. Lutzker, Director, Georgia State University, Atlanta, USA and Katelyn M. Guastaferro, The Mark Chaffin Center for Healthy Development, School of Public Health, Georgia State University, USA. With a note on the UK evaluation of SafeCare by Gillian Churchill. 10: Video Interaction Guidance: Providing an effective response for neglected children. Hilary Kennedy, Director, Video Interaction Guidance, UK, Maeve Macdonald, Educational Psychologist and Paul Whalley, NSPCC, UK.
Tackling Child Neglect is an excellent and thought provoking book whichcritically re-examines the importance of neglect and its pernicious effect on the well-being and welfare of children and young people. The book comprises three main sections as authors present renewed and challenging commentary for the multi-professional audience in revisiting our understandings of neglect, various perspectives of neglect and international approaches on prevention. There are many salutary messages including a reminder of the significance of the chronic, negative impact of the lack of emotional availability of the child's care giver. The voices of children and young people are amplified in their understandings and experiences of neglect and this important focus should inform further research and improve practice in prevention and early help for children and their families.
