The persistent failure to meet a child's basic physical and/or
psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment
of the child's health or development. Neglect may occur during
pregnancy as a result of maternal substance abuse. Once a child
is born, neglect may involve a parent or carer failing to: -
provide adequate food, clothing and shelter (including exclusion
from home or abandonment); - protect a child from physical and
emotional harm or danger; - ensure adequate supervision
(including the use of inadequate care-givers); or - ensure
access to appropriate medical care or treatment. It may also
include neglect of, or unresponsiveness to, a child's basic
emotional needs. (Definition provided by Working Together)