Child abuse and neglect guidance

Recommended guidance

Recommendations should be considered in the context of the whole guideline but these links to specific sections may be helpful.

Introduction and principles

• about this guideline

• working with children, young people, parents and carers.

Recognising signs and assessing needs

• when children and young people tell others about abuse and neglect

• vulnerability factors and alerting features for abuse and neglect

• assessing risk and need.

How to respond

• early help

• response and support

• therapeutic interventions after abuse and neglect

• planning and delivering services.

Related NICE guidance

• child maltreatment

• children's attachment

• harmful sexual behaviour

• domestic violence and abuse.

Guidance in context

Our guidance helps you to comply with the statutory function of the agency you work for under the Children Acts of 1989 and 2004 and the Children and Families Act 2014. It also helps you comply with the statutory legislation referenced within each section of the guideline:

• working together to safeguard children (Department of Education).

The guideline is complemented by other guidance such as:

• keeping children safe in education (Department of Education)

• protecting children and young people: doctors' responsibilities (General Medical Council)

• what to do if you're worried about a child (Department of Education).