Adolescent Neglect

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 recognizing 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.

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. Mike Stein is Research Professor, Social Policy Research Unit, University of York, UK. He directed the neglected adolescents research project funded under the Safeguarding Children's Research Initiative. He specializes in the problems and challenges faced by young people leaving care, vulnerable adolescents, and young people living on the streets and running away from care. 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. Sarah Gorin is Senior Research Officer, NSPCC, UK. Her research interests include child protection, family support, looked after children and the impact of domestic violence and parental substance misuse on children.