Adolescent Neglect: Research, Policy and Practice

Adolescent neglect is a significant problem within child protection, but focus on child neglect and other forms of maltreatment means that it can often be overlooked. This book outlines how adolescent neglect differs from child neglect, the context of why it is overlooked, how it is defined, the causes and consequences of neglect, young people's views, and what professionals can do. Based on original research, the book establishes an evidence base and considers the implications for policy and practice. The concluding chapter sets out a practice-based framework for recognising and working with adolescent neglect. Each chapter includes reflection points to stimulate thinking on key issues. This will be essential reading for all those who work with young people, particularly those in social work, health services and education, as well as academics, policymakers and students in these fields. Safeguarding children from abuse is of paramount importance. This series communicates messages for practice from an extensive Government-funded research programme designed to improve early recognition of child abuse as well as service responses and interventions. The series addresses a range of forms of abuse, including emotional and physical abuse and neglect, and outlines strategies for effective interagency collaboration, successful intervention and best practice. Titles in the series will be essential reading for practitioners with responsibility for safeguarding children.

Gwyther Rees is Research Director, The Children's Society, UK, and Visiting Associate, Social Policy Research Unit, University of York, UK. His recent research has included a focus on young runaways and child protection issues affecting young people, and his current research focuses on children's well-being.

Leslie Hicks is Reader in the School of Health and Social Care at the University of Lincoln, UK. She specializes in research in the fields of services for children and adults, child protection and well-being and social exclusion.

Mike Stein is a Research Professor in the Social Policy Research Unit at York University, UK. He is also a qualified social worker and has worked as a probation officer, a senior child care officer and an area manager in a social services department. He has spent the last thirty years researching the problems and challenges faced by young people leaving care. He is also a co-ordinator of the Transitions from Care to Adulthood International Research Group (INTRAC).

Sarah Gorin is a Senior Research Officer at NSPCC. Her research interests include child protection, family support, looked after children, children's participation and the impact of domestic violence, parental substance misuse and parental ill health on children.