Understanding and working with adolescent neglect: perspectives from research, young people and professionals

Abstract

This paper provides an overview of research about adolescent neglect funded by the Department of Children, Schools and Families (now the Department for Education) and the Department of Health. The paper examines what is known from literature about the causes of adolescent neglect, together with its potential consequences for well-being. Drawing on qualitative data, the concept of neglect is explored from the perspectives of young people themselves and the professionals who work with them. Consideration is given to examples of interventions and preventative models geared towards addressing adolescent neglect. Key findings indicate that there is a need for both a re-examination of current definitions of neglect in the light of age-related distinctions and perspectives, and a fuller understanding of the particular needs of adolescents who are experiencing neglect. Additionally, the research highlights that there is a lack of research knowledge about neglectful parenting and the behaviour of young people, as well as limited understanding of interventions with neglected adolescents. Key themes from the research are discussed in terms of their implications for future practice, policy and research in relation to working to improve the welfare of neglected young people

Ask Me! self‐reported features of adolescents experiencing neglect or emotional maltreatment: a rapid systematic review

“…The paucity of literature relating to adolescent neglect and emotional maltreatment should prompt future high quality work. Adolescents find it difficult to report maltreatment, and would sooner confide in their peers than authorities (Rees et al ), yet professionals in education, health, and youth justice could potentially identify them(Hicks & Stein ). Our findings support the need for a holistic assessment of vulnerable teenagers, particularly within youth justice, as highlighted by their polyvictimisation.…”

A significant solidus: Punctuating sexual exploitation with discretionary practices

“…Although this research found despair in this space created by the solidus between young person and child, there is room to hold onto this solidus, this or, as a matter of our responsibility to each individual. As Hicks and Stein note, “young people up to the age of 18 years are regarded as a homogeneous group” (, 224). Such homogeneity is evidenced in this study, in the repetition of labels and adjectives for example, which were used to describe these children.…”

Młodzież w kryzysie – doświadczenie zaniedbania wśród adolescentek i adolescentów jako „zaniedbany” obszar teorii i badań

“…Jednocześnie wyniki dostępnych badań wykazują istnienie różnic w zależności od wieku we wzorcach zaniedbania i jego konsekwencjach (Moran 2009). Wiele więc wskazuje na to, że zaniedbanie młodzieży powinno być analizowane oddzielnie od zaniedbania młodszych dzieci (Hicks, Stein 2015).…”

“…w wyniku rozwodu. Może to prowadzić do zwiększonego ryzyka zaniedbania emocjonalnego na przykład, gdy nowy partner rodzica wyklucza emocjonalnie nastolatka z rodziny (Hicks, Stein 2015).…”