Child neglect suspicions go unreported

Action for Children carried out a survey which showed 54 per cent of the public in Yorkshire were worried about the welfare of a child living in their area, but 46 per cent said they did not feel able to tell anyone of their concerns.

Charity workers said most people cited a fear of repercussions or a lack of knowledge of the signs of neglect for their reluctance to act or call in the authorities.

Experts said known cases of neglect were “the tip of the iceberg”.

The worrying findings also reveal that 86 per cent of professionals in the region, including teachers, health workers and nursery staff, regularly see cases of suspected child neglect, but many have no specific training on what to do.

Julie Longworth, Action for Children’s Yorkshire director, said the survey revealed that “critical opportunities” to help the most vulnerable were being missed, while professionals were often being put in an “impossible position”.