NSPCC highlights worrying spike in neglect calls over Christmas

The NSPCC says a third of contacts it received about child neglect last year were made during the 12 days of Christmas.

The charity handled almost 20,000 phonecalls from concerned adults in 2017. They were reporting issues like children being left home alone, having inadequate clothing and being screamed at by parents.

It is the most common type of child abuse in the UK, and last year the NSPCC in Northern Ireland made 197 referrals to the PSNI and other agencies about neglect.

"He was barely dressed and didn’t have any food. The house was really dirty and messy - with food and clothes everywhere. There were also empty alcohol bottles and pet faeces on the floor."

Neil Anderson, head of NSPCC Northern Ireland, said: “Neglect doesn’t stop because it is Christmas, the holidays can in fact magnify problems because children are cut-off from the wider community and their support network.

“While it is positive that people are being vigilant and reporting concerns of children suffering neglect rather than standing by, it is still deeply worrying to see that neglect continues to be the most common reason for contacting the NSPCC Helpline.

“This is why we are appealing to the generous nature of the public to support our Light For Every Childhood Christmas Appeal to help us be there for even more young people in need.”

During the festive period extended family members often get in touch with the NSPCC after spending more time with a youngster and becoming concerned for their welfare.

One relative contacted the Helpline after visiting distant family over the Christmas period with concerns about a parent letting her young children get drunk and take drugs.

The caller said: “Over Christmas I spent time with my family and what I witnessed was really worrying. I learnt that the children have been left home alone on various occasions, and have also been allowed to get drunk and take drugs.

"They also have mental health problems. I think the whole family needs additional support.”

Three quarters (73%) of cases involving neglect reported to the NSPCC Helpline, a service run by child protection professionals, including social workers, teachers and health specialists, were serious enough to be referred to children services and the police for further investigation.

CASE STUDIES

The following are real case studies highlighted by the charity. Quotes are created from real Helpline contacts but are not necessarily direct quotes. Names and potentially identifying details have been changed to protect the identity of the person contacting the Helpline.

“I am calling as I am concerned about a little girl. She always looks very neglected. She walks around without socks on, she has a rash on her skin and she is covered in head lice. She is never dressed appropriately - her clothes are threadbare and her shoes do not fit her. People have noticed this so they gave her clothes at Christmas. She does not receive medical attention as she has head lice, scabs on her face, her teeth are rotting and she has injuries that were never seen to.” (Member of the public)

“On Boxing Day I went to drop off some presents for the boy and was upset to find him all alone. I have no idea how long he had been alone for. He was barely dressed and didn’t have any food. The house was really dirty and messy - with food and clothes everywhere. There were also empty alcohol bottles and pet faeces on the floor. I felt like he was bringing himself up.” (Relative)

“I am calling about concerns of neglect of 3 children. Their house is absolutely disgusting - there is so much rubbish in the home that you can barely move. The kitchen is so dirty it is growing mould and you are unable to prepare any food there. The children are always hungry and appear underweight. They smell because they are so dirty and are never washed. The children are inadequately dressed - if they even have clothes on they are way too small and this is noticed by other people. I bought them clothes for Christmas because otherwise they wouldn’t have any and it is difficult for the parents to take support.” (Member of the public)

“I am calling because I am concerned about children who were left home alone whilst their parents went out at night to get drunk. The children were scared because they woke up upset and no-one was there for them.”

“I am calling because I am concerned about a 2 year old child. Her parents are into drugs. The father sells drugs from his house when the child is at home and his mother takes drugs daily. They share their drug-taking on social media posts. They struggle with caring for the child and their home. The child is either completely ignored or screamed at and called names when they are intoxicated.” (Member of the public)

“Today I visited my sister and her 13 year old daughter was at home. When I asked my niece why she wasn’t in school she said that she hasn’t been for a while. I’m very concerned about her, she told me that she hasn’t had any contact with the outside world for months. I also know that she hasn’t been taken to see a dentist for years now, and I’m worried about her physical and mental health.” (Relative)

Common signs and symptoms adults may notice in a child who is being neglected include:

• Poor appearance and hygiene, they may be smelly or have unwashed clothes

• Living in an unsuitable home environment for example dog mess being left or not having any heating

• Left alone for a long time

• Untreated injuries, medical and dental issues; they may have skin sores, rashes, flea bites, scabies or ringworm

• Poor language, communication or social skills

• Seem hungry or turn up to school without having breakfast or any lunch money

Adults concerned about a child can contact the NSPCC Helpline seven days a week on 0808 800 5000, or email help@nspcc.org.uk