Rochdale’s safeguarding children week: how to spot the signs of a neglected child

Date published: 15 June 2022

Would you know how to spot the signs that a child is being neglected?

This week is Rochdale’s safeguarding children week, which focuses sharing key safeguarding information on all types of neglect (emotional, physical, educational and medical).

The week will raise awareness of how to spot the signs and how to report concerns, as well as offering training and resources to practitioners working with children, young people and families.

Councillor Rachel Massey, cabinet member for children’s services and education at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Our children’s social care and early help teams continue to see significant increases in demand with cases of neglect being a significant feature of their work.

“We are all here supporting children, young people and their families and we want people to know that if they’re struggling please contact us, we’ve a wide package of early help support and we want to help families before crisis point.”

Rochdale Borough Safeguarding Children Partnership will also be using the week to consult with members of the public, practitioners and children and young people on the work of the partnership, what their priorities should be and what people understand about safeguarding.

Amanda Clarke, chair of the Rochdale Borough Safeguarding Children Partnership, said: “We always get a great response to the week and I’m looking forward to that being the case again this year.

“We’re invested in putting time and effort into reminding people of the signs of neglect, that we take it seriously and, importantly, that there is support for children, young people and families. 

“I also really hope that people take a moment to engage in our consultations, it’s important that local voices shape our work.”

For further information about the week and to take part in consultations or for information about how to report any concerns you may have about a child, please visit the safeguarding website rochdalesafeguarding.com