Factors influencing professionals work with child neglect in Ayrshire.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An evaluation of the scale and spread of child neglect within Ayrshire & Arran and an exploration of factors which influence both professional and families understanding of the identification and management of child neglect.
IRAS ID
282095
Contact name
Frances Gunn
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Stirling
Duration of Study in the UK
5 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
There is a growing evidence base identifying neglect as an adverse childhood experience (ACE) and outlining the negative impact neglect has on children’s short and long term outcomes. Evidence is clear that identifying and addressing neglect is challenging for professionals due to factors including; different thresholds and difficulty obtaining clear evidence of harm directly caused by neglect.
Research specific to Scotland is needed to ensure that future policy is underpinned by current evidence that specifically considers the perspective of professionals working with child neglect in Scotland and the challenges they face in supporting families to help children achieve their maximum potential.
This study is based in Ayrshire & Arran, one of Scotland’s health boards. The study will initially evaluate the scale and spread of child neglect within Ayrshire & Arran via secondary data analysis and mapping of statistics around child protection and referrals to the Children’s Reporter. This will identify areas within Ayrshire & Arran where neglect occurs frequently and then these community demographics will be explored to understand what community and social factors impact on neglect.
Approximately 90 electronic questionnaires will be distributed to staff working within Ayrshire & Arran who have a role to play in identifying children who are being neglected to understand what affects their understanding of neglect and their confidence in recognising it. Approximately 26 semi-structured interviews with both professionals working with families where neglect is an area of concern and the families undergoing the professional intervention.
The findings will be analysed collectively, to provide a deep understanding of the scale and geographical spread of child neglect within Ayrshire & Arran, what community and social factors impact on this and what influences the potential success of professional interventions to address neglect and improve outcomes for children and young people.REC name
West of Scotland REC 1
REC reference
20/WS/0093
Date of REC Opinion
18 Aug 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion