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Neglect is when you are not being looked after or supervised properly. If the people who are supposed to look after you don't give you the important things you need, or make it hard for you to take care of yourself, then that's neglect.

Neglect

Neglect

Transcript

I ran away from home a few times. They always said they’d been worried about me but nothing ever changed. They just went out and got drunk again. There was never anything in the house. No food, no nothing. I could look after myself, but it never got better.

I hated it when my Mum and Dad were like that, but I didn’t hate them. I didn’t want them to go to prison or anything, I just wanted it to stop.

I didn’t want to hide it anymore, so I called ChildLine. When I got through I just waited to see what they’d say. I rang them a few times, just testing, and when I knew they were all right I talked. 

Later, they got in contact with my parents and they got help. They’re better now. I still talk to ChildLine about stuff like school. It’s nice to be able to talk to someone that listens.

 
 
 
 
 

NeglectHow do I know if I'm being neglected?

You could be suffering from neglect if:

  • You don't have enough warm clothes or shoes
  • You don't have enough to eat and drink
  • You're left alone for a long time, or left in charge of family without adult help
  • You're forced to sleep somewhere cold or uncomfortable
  • No-one helps you when you're are ill or you've been hurt

If this is happening to you, you might think that it's your fault. It isn't. No-one has the right to neglect you. If you speak out about neglect, there are people who care - they will listen to you and help you.

What will happen to my brothers and sisters?
It's good to be concerned about your brothers and sisters. But if something's happening that affects them, you need to tell someone. If you call us, we will be able to give you advice about how to help you and your family. There are people who can make sure that you and your brothers and sisters are looked after properly.

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  • If I talk to someone, will I be taken into care?

    Sometimes the best help can be provided by social services, but speaking to someone about neglect doesn't mean that you'll automatically be taken into care. A first step is to talk to someone you trust such as a teacher or a friend's parent and tell them what is happening. The Police and Social Services are there to protect you from being abused in any way and you can talk to them about it. If you feel that you can't talk to them about what's happening or are too scared, you can call us and we can help.

  • What should I do if one of my parents is always drinking and falling asleep in the day?

    Your parents or carers should be looking after you. It's their job to keep you safe and that may not be happening if they are drinking and falling asleep. If they have a problem with drinking, then you should talk to someone you trust so that they can get some help. That way things may improve for you and your parent.

  • I'm being neglected, is it my fault?

    No matter what anyone says, you don't deserve to be neglected. It's not your fault.

    If you are worried about neglect or about anything, you can call us and we can help.

Text ChildLine

You can receive text messages provided by ChildLine for information and advice on certain issues

Find out how to text ChildLine

Watch a video


Take a look at the video section to find videos about lots of issues

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Neglect 

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