IMAGINE yourself as a social worker ...breaking the news to a "horrified" parent that they are neglecting their child.
Most parents don't realise they are causing their child harm by emotionally or physically neglecting them – but they have a role in that child's life which is to love and care for them.
As part of the Neglect Matters campaign, we have spoken to a North East Lincolnshire Council social worker.
She revealed stories about walking into "appalling" situations and "encouraging parents" to ask for help much earlier to prevent situations deteriorating.
"There isn't a simple solution to neglect as there is no prescription with each case containing different underlying causes," said the social worker who wishes not to be named.
"I have walked into dire situations such as baths full of dirty nappies, fridge doors hanging off and cat litter trays over flowing – even the pets didn't know where to go to the toilet.
"In one house, stairs were full of black bin liners and you could hardly get upstairs. The smell of some houses were horrendous and you had to take a deep breath before you stepped inside; but once you got talking to the parent, you forgot about it."
The social worker wanted to stress that they cannot just walk into homes and remove a child – they need a legal order to do so.
She describes neglect in a nutshell as "someone who doesn't care enough because neglect is about the relationship the parent has with their child."
"It's an entrenched lifestyle with poor role models and they just don't see the damage it is causing," she added.
"There has been lots of research to prove that neglect causes significant problems with brain development."
Neglect doesn't just happen to children from a poor background.
Children can be emotionally neglected too. If children are being physically neglected they are emotionally neglected too. Children and young people can all have their physical needs met but be emotionally neglected by their parent.
"Bad teeth, head lice and dirty homes is the image that most conjure up with the word neglect," she said.
"But is goes far deeper for a child and there are so many other areas the word covers.
"There are three main types of neglect; the chaotic disorganised sort, emotional and the depressed and unmotivated parent.
"As a social worker it can sometimes be difficult to underpin them, but through offering them support and advice we can."
For help and support you can contact the NSPCC helpline which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on 0808 8005000. They can also be contacted by anyone for advice, or if you have concerns about a child.
You can also contact the Children's Assessment and Safeguarding Service (CASS) on 01472 32555.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter