Neglect

Neglect occurs when a person does not meet their obligations and responsibilities to keep a child safe and well.

• The neglect must be more than minor and insignificant
• The neglect does not need to have a lasting or permanent effect
• The neglect may be an ongoing situation or a one off incident, as long as it is not minor in nature. 

Examples of different types of neglect include:

Supervisory neglect–

The absence or inattention of a person which places the child at risk of physical harm or injury, sexual abuse or allows other criminal behaviour towards the child

Physical neglect–

The failure to provide basic physical necessities for a child, such as adequate food, clothing and housing

Medical neglect–

The failure to provide for appropriate medical care for a child, including a failure to acknowledge the seriousness of an illness or condition, or deliberately withholding appropriate care

The reportable conduct scheme captures allegations that occur both during and outside the course of the person’s employment or engagement with an in-scope organisation.