Neglect: The role of the Childcare Social Worker

One-day course This course will examine the effects of neglect on children's development and outcomes, considering both immediate and long-term implications. The primary focus will be on maintaining a child-centred approach, particularly in situations where concerns may persist over time without clear indicators of crisis. The session will address strategies to ensure that all agencies recognise the significance of meaningful, structured, and effective engagement, guided by well-defined objectives that are universally understood. A central theme of the session will involve questioning individual judgments and employing tools to facilitate objective decision-making regarding the child's well-being. The trainer will emphasise the necessity of using factual language to concentrate on the 'lived experiences' of children. Participants will receive a personal action plan, which they will have the opportunity to complete during the session, enabling them to depart with specific intentions for enhancing their practice in addressing neglect. Objectives include gaining a deeper understanding of what constitutes neglect and recognising when a child's care is inadequate. Participants will learn about the impact of neglect on child development, how to apply professional curiosity to identify instances of neglect, and the importance of knowing when to take action and how to respond appropriately. Additionally, insights will be drawn from serious case reviews related to long-term neglect.