Raising awareness of child neglect

Published Wednesday, 8th March 2023

It can be difficult to know when a child or young person is being neglected, so a new campaign has been launched to raise awareness of the issue.

The campaign is being run by the Hartlepool and Stockton-on-Tees Safeguarding Children Partnership which leads the work to safeguard children in both towns.

It aims to highlight how neglect can have a devastating impact on a child’s development and wellbeing, whilst the long-term effects can extend into adulthood.

Children and young people who are neglected might have:

  • Poor appearance or hygiene.
  • Health and development problems.
  • Housing and family issues.
  • A change in behavior.

Having one of these signs doesn’t necessarily mean a child is being neglected, but if there are multiple signs which last for a while then there may be a serious problem.

If you think a child is in immediate danger call 999.

If you are worried about a child call the police on 101 or the Children’s Hub on (01429) 284284 / (01642) 130080. Outside normal office hours call (01642) 524552.