Noticing and Helping Neglected Children in Scotland: 'sometimes it's just too hard to talk'

Abstract

This paper sets out the policy context for noticing and helping neglected children in Scotland. The overarching framework, Getting it Right for Every Child, now enshrined in legislation, provides the context for a response to a broad range of concerns about children whose needs may not be fully met. Supportive and protective responses are required of those working in the universal services and in targeted services with the aspiration of providing seamless services for children. The paper reports on evidence a gathered in a review of neglect in Scotland and draws on the views of children gathered as part of a review in the UK to explore the nature of the response to neglected children in Scotland. The paper suggests that Scotland is in a strong position to develop a holistic framework to tackle neglect but that a number of tensions need to be addressed to ensure this direction of travel.