This paper aims to provide an analysis of the phenomena of child neglect. Through an overview of the theoretical knowledge, the paper will first outline, what, by definition, constitutes as childhood neglect, the long and short term effects of neglect on the child and society, whilst discussing the families and environments that are often associated with the problem. From drawing on the legislation surrounding safeguarding and child protection, such as the Children’s Act 1989/2004, the Working to Safeguard Children guide (2015) and the Common Assessment Framework it will be shown that the current professional response to child neglect could be said to be inadequate and in need of improvement.
When it comes to the maltreatment of children it …show more content…
Ainsworth et al (2015) noted that the early attachment relationships between caregiver and child are a prototype of all later relationships. As Buchanan states “during early life the infant, in order to survive, needs to make a strong attachment to its primary care giver…as from this early experience the child develops working models of him/her significant other, and creates a set of expectations about future relationships” (1996: 25). This, therefore, implies that individuals are compelled to recreate their own childhood experience of what constitutes as a relationship when they become parents themselves. Criticisms have, however, been made in regards to the usefulness of attachment theory, for instance, it fails to answer, why some parents are raised in a good homely environment with secure attachment to their caregivers, yet go on to be neglectful parents themselves. Harris (1998) believes that the theory of attachment can actually lead to problems becoming further ingrained or lead to people excusing their neglectful behaviour as he states “bad parents like to believe that their own parents shape their character so that when something in their life goes wrong, they can blame it on their parents” (1998: 29). Criticism aside, the theory of attachment, stresses the importance of early intervention, as the longer the neglect continues the tougher it becomes to influence the long-term outcome of the child (Barker & Hodes 2007). As a societal issue, a delay in intervention could lead to emotionally neglectful parenting becoming further entrenched within that family setting, subsequently making it more difficult to break the cycle of future maltreatment and neglect (Buchanen
When it comes to the maltreatment of children it …show more content…
Ainsworth et al (2015) noted that the early attachment relationships between caregiver and child are a prototype of all later relationships. As Buchanan states “during early life the infant, in order to survive, needs to make a strong attachment to its primary care giver…as from this early experience the child develops working models of him/her significant other, and creates a set of expectations about future relationships” (1996: 25). This, therefore, implies that individuals are compelled to recreate their own childhood experience of what constitutes as a relationship when they become parents themselves. Criticisms have, however, been made in regards to the usefulness of attachment theory, for instance, it fails to answer, why some parents are raised in a good homely environment with secure attachment to their caregivers, yet go on to be neglectful parents themselves. Harris (1998) believes that the theory of attachment can actually lead to problems becoming further ingrained or lead to people excusing their neglectful behaviour as he states “bad parents like to believe that their own parents shape their character so that when something in their life goes wrong, they can blame it on their parents” (1998: 29). Criticism aside, the theory of attachment, stresses the importance of early intervention, as the longer the neglect continues the tougher it becomes to influence the long-term outcome of the child (Barker & Hodes 2007). As a societal issue, a delay in intervention could lead to emotionally neglectful parenting becoming further entrenched within that family setting, subsequently making it more difficult to break the cycle of future maltreatment and neglect (Buchanen