Safeguarding children who may be affected by self-neglect

It is essential that practitioners ‘Think Family’ and consider the needs and welfare of children who may be affected by issues of self-neglect by an adult, for example where the adult at risk is the parent or carer of a child. A child who resides with a carer who self-neglects can put a child at risk by affecting their development and in some cases, leading to the neglect of the child. When addressing concerns of self-neglect and hoarding, professionals should determine whether there are children in the household who may need support or who are at risk.

In all such cases a referral must be made to the Children’s Initial Advice Team. Adult Social Care practitioners must work closely with Children’s Social Care in the assessment process, attend multi-agency meetings and consider how the self-neglect and home environment of the individual impacts on the welfare of the child and consider what life must be like for a child living with an adult who neglects to self- care or fails to care for the home environment. 

Children’s Initial Advice Team – How to report a concern for a child

Telephone: 01325 406252 (professionals)

Telephone: 01325 406222 (members of public)

Telephone: Out of Hours Emergency Duty Team 01642 524552