The Link Between Poverty and Child Neglect: Addressing Root Causes

Child neglect is a pervasive issue that affects numerous families across the UK, with profound and lasting impacts on children’s lives. At the heart of this complex problem lies a troubling relationship between poverty and neglect. 

The PISA 2022 report published in December 2023 shows us that, in England, one in ten children in the UK reported that they did not eat at least once a week because their families did not have enough money for food. Likewise, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation report entitled Destitution in the UK 2023 outlines that at least one million children in the UK are living in destitution. This means that they are living without adequate shelter or without enough food. If those statistics are not bad enough, UNICEF published a report in December 2023, Poverty in the Midst of Wealth, which showed that child poverty rates in the UK are actually the highest among the world’s richest countries. Additionally, it explains that the UK ranks at the bottom of the table for changes in those poverty rates in the past decade. 

The UK Government data also paints this stark picture, with 4.3 million children, or 30% of all children in the UK, living in low-income households after housing costs. After these costs, 25% of children are considered to be living in absolute poverty. When you consider that the UK is the world’s sixth-largest economy, these figures are all the more shocking. 

When we consider the statistics and know that there is a substantial link between poverty and child neglect, developing effective interventions and policymaking that aims to safeguard children’s wellbeing is all the more important. By addressing the root causes of poverty, policymakers and changemakers can work towards creating a society that protects children from neglect and breaks the relentless socio-economic cycle of disadvantage that is difficult to break. 

In this article, we’ll discuss how poverty contributes to child neglect and look at other factors that compound the vulnerability of children living in poverty. We’ll examine how economic hardships strain parental capacity to provide adequate care and discuss the role of systemic inequalities, highlighting the broader societal implications. Additionally, our discussion will lead to an exploration of breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty and neglect as well as the importance of support systems and advocating for change and social justice.

What is the Impact of Poverty on Child Neglect

Poverty is a significant driver of child neglect, creating an environment where basic needs often go unmet and parental stress reaches critical levels. Indeed, the Nuffield Foundation’s report on the relationship between poverty and child abuse and neglect (CAN) highlights how social care reviews in England and Scotland affirm that “family poverty and inequality are key drivers of harm to children”. It explains that there is now substantial evidence that there is a “contributory causal relationship between the economic circumstances of families and CAN”. 

In the UK, deep poverty is growing at a quick rate. That and persistent poverty are much more damaging to children’s safety and their development than low incomes or difficulties that are temporary. The unpredictability and insecurity of income, which can sometimes be the result of sanctions and benefit administration issues as well as that of employment and housing, all contribute to the issues of trying to parent with sufficient income.  

To understand how poverty exacerbates the risk of child neglect, we need to consider several key factors:

Inadequate Housing

Families living in poverty frequently face substandard housing conditions, including overcrowding, lack of heating and exposure to health hazards such as mould and pests. These conditions can lead to an unsafe and unstable living environment, making it difficult for parents to provide proper care and supervision. In extreme cases, homelessness further compounds these issues, placing children at an even greater risk of neglect.

Food Insecurity

Limited financial resources often result in food insecurity, where families struggle to afford enough nutritious food. Children in food-insecure households may suffer from malnutrition, which affects their physical health and cognitive development. The stress of not knowing where the next meal will come from can also impair a parent’s ability to focus on other aspects of childcare.

Parental Stress

The relentless socio-economic stressors associated with poverty – such as job insecurity, financial instability and lack of social support – can overwhelm parents. High levels of stress and anxiety can impair a parent’s ability to provide consistent and nurturing care, leading to instances of neglect. Chronic stress can also impact parents’ mental health, further diminishing their caregiving capacities. 

Child protection services and government policies in the UK often fail to recognise enough how such economic conditions are inextricably linked to other issues such as domestic violence, abuse, addictions and mental health. In failing to recognise these difficulties in parents often leads to parents feeling stigma and shame which, in turn, reduces the likelihood of parents engaging with services and establishing effective supportive relationships with social care. Poverty increases the likelihood of such difficulties and, additionally, it is also often a consequence. This makes it even more difficult to resolve such issues, perpetuating the cycle.

Intersectionality of Poverty with Other Factors

The impact of poverty on child neglect is compounded by intersecting factors such as systemic inequalities, discrimination and social exclusion. Families from marginalised communities often face additional barriers, including racial discrimination, which can limit their access to employment, education and social services. Social exclusion further isolates these families, reducing their support networks and increasing their vulnerability. Sadly, there often seems to be a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to planning and delivering services to support poverty in the UK. There is often insufficient attention paid to gender roles within a family concerning financial security, spending, work, child care, roles and responsibilities.

Long-term Consequences of Child Neglect

The effects of child neglect extend far beyond the immediate physical and emotional harm. Neglect during early childhood can severely impact a child’s physical health, leading to developmental delays and chronic health issues. Emotionally, neglected children are more likely to suffer from attachment disorders, anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. Cognitively, neglect can impair brain development, resulting in learning difficulties and poor academic performance.

The societal implications of child neglect are profound. Neglected children are at a higher risk of engaging in criminal behaviour and substance abuse and experiencing mental health issues in adulthood. This not only affects their individual futures but also places a significant burden on social services, healthcare systems and the economy. And so, in many cases, the cycle continues. Their children often go on to suffer that very same fate in terms of poverty and neglect as they themselves have suffered. Addressing the root causes of poverty and reducing child neglect is therefore not only a moral imperative but also an economic necessity for the wellbeing and productivity of society as a whole.

Breaking the Cycle of Intergenerational Poverty and Neglect

The relationship between poverty and child neglect is not only immediate but also intergenerational. As suggested above, children who grow up in impoverished conditions are more likely to experience neglect and, as a result, face a higher risk of perpetuating the cycle of poverty and neglect when they become adults. Breaking this cycle requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of poverty and provides sustainable support for vulnerable families.

Intergenerational Poverty

The term ‘intergenerational poverty’ (sometimes referred to as ‘intergenerational transmission of poverty’) is normally associated with the idea of a welfare-dependent or worklessness ‘culture’ with behaviour and dispositions within families passed down through the generations. However, researchers investigating intergenerational poverty in Middlesbrough and Glasgow were unable to find families where there were at least three generations of people who had not worked and that even finding two generations of worklessness was a rarity.

The Cyclical Nature of Poverty and Neglect

Children raised in poverty often face significant disadvantages that can hinder their development and future prospects. These children are more likely to experience educational setbacks, health problems and social exclusion, which can limit their opportunities in adulthood. Without intervention, they may struggle to escape the conditions of poverty and their own children may face similar challenges, perpetuating a cycle of intergenerational poverty and neglect.

Research has outlined that educational attainment has the biggest impact on the likelihood of being in poverty and therefore severely materially deprived in adulthood. In the UK, low attainers at school are nearly five times more likely to be in poverty whilst at school and 11 times more likely to be severely materially deprived compared with those with a high level of education.

Breaking the Cycle

Education

Access to quality education is a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty, as is exemplified in the earlier statistics. Early childhood education programmes, such as the former Sure Start centres in the UK, provide children with a strong foundation for lifelong learning and development. Sure Start began under the Labour government in 1998 and the centres offered support for the most disadvantaged families. Indeed, a study suggested that children who lived close to these centres and were in receipt of free school meals at the age of five did better at their GCSEs than those who lived further away. However, by 2019, over 500 centres had closed due to funding cuts to the scheme. Additionally, targeted support for disadvantaged students, including tutoring, mentoring and after-school programmes, can help close the achievement gap and improve long-term outcomes.

Employment Opportunities

Creating pathways to stable and well-paying jobs is essential for lifting families out of poverty. Job training programmes, apprenticeships and initiatives that connect individuals with employment opportunities can help parents secure reliable income and provide better care for their children. Policies that support fair wages and workers’ rights also play a crucial role in reducing economic insecurity.

Affordable Housing

Safe and stable housing is a fundamental need for all families. Expanding access to affordable housing through social housing programmes and policies that promote the development of low-cost housing can help reduce the financial strain on families and prevent homelessness. Ensuring that families live in environments conducive to their children’s health and wellbeing is critical for preventing neglect. Low rents are crucial when it comes to reducing poverty and, in turn, neglect. The private sector plays a substantial role in this with 18% of private tenants in poverty before their housing costs have been accounted for and a staggering 38% in poverty after their housing costs have been paid.Even with social housing, which is typically occupied by those on lower incomes, the statistics are shocking, with 43% living in poverty once they have paid their housing costs. Government policies, therefore, need to reflect closer the links between poverty and housing with attempts to reduce poverty by considering maintaining good conditions of homes as well as limiting rent costs.

Access to Quality Healthcare

Comprehensive healthcare services, including mental health support, are vital for addressing the physical and emotional needs of families in poverty.

Importance of Early Intervention and Prevention

Early Intervention

Early intervention programmes are crucial for identifying and addressing the needs of at-risk families before neglect occurs. Home visiting programmes, such as the Family Nurse Partnership in the UK, provide parents with guidance and support from healthcare professionals, helping them develop effective parenting skills and access necessary resources.

In 2021, the government published The Best Start for Life: A Vision for the 1,001 Critical Days. This document explains six areas for supporting families from the first 1,001 days of a child’s life, from conception to the age of two, ensuring all babies in England are given the ‘best start for life’.

Prevention Efforts

Prevention efforts focus on providing families with the tools and resources they need to overcome barriers and build resilience. Community-based programmes that offer parenting classes, support groups and resource centres can help families develop strong support networks and improve their ability to care for their children. 

Family Hubs have now replaced some of the former Sure Start centres in the UK and these hubs aim to provide a place to go for face-to-face support as well as information from many services including health visiting, breastfeeding support and perinatal mental health support. The Hubs offer support to families with children aged from newborn up to 19 (or up to 25 for young people with special educational needs and disabilities). 

The Family Hubs allow families the chance of holistic support all in one place and they also facilitate professionals from different disciplines working together.

Building Resilience

Building resilience involves strengthening families’ capacity to cope with challenges and adversity. Programmes that promote positive parenting, stress management and healthy family relationships can enhance resilience and reduce the risk of neglect. Additionally, community initiatives that foster social inclusion and support can help families feel connected and supported, further mitigating the effects of poverty.

Breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty and neglect requires an approach that addresses the underlying drivers of poverty while providing families with the support and resources they need to thrive. By investing in education, employment opportunities, affordable housing and quality healthcare, and by implementing early intervention and prevention programmes, we can create a more equitable society where all children have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Strengthening Support Systems for Vulnerable Families

Strengthening support systems for vulnerable families is essential in preventing child neglect and promoting overall child wellbeing. Comprehensive and accessible support can help families navigate economic hardships, reduce stress and provide a stable environment for children to thrive.

The Importance of Strengthening Support Systems

Vulnerable families often lack the resources and support needed to provide adequate care for their children. Strengthening support systems ensures that these families have access to essential services and assistance, helping to mitigate the risk factors associated with poverty and neglect. When families receive timely and appropriate support, they are better equipped to meet their children’s needs, which enhances the wellbeing and development of children and fosters healthier family dynamics.

Community-Based Initiatives:

• Family Support Services: Family support services offer a range of assistance to families in need, from financial aid and housing support to counselling and crisis intervention. These services aim to address the immediate needs of families while also providing long-term support to promote stability and resilience. By offering a safety net, family support services help prevent neglect and ensure that children grow up in safe and nurturing environments.
• Parenting Programmes: Parenting programmes provide education and support to help parents develop effective caregiving skills. These programmes often include workshops on child development, positive discipline techniques and stress management strategies. By empowering parents with knowledge and skills, parenting programmes enhance their capacity to provide attentive and nurturing care, reducing the risk of neglect.
• Childcare Assistance: Access to affordable and high-quality childcare is vital for working parents who may struggle to balance employment and caregiving responsibilities. Childcare assistance programmes, such as subsidised childcare or free nursery places, enable parents to pursue employment or education while ensuring their children receive proper care and early learning opportunities. Reliable childcare support alleviates parental stress and promotes positive outcomes for children.

In the UK, help with childcare costs is being introduced in stages. Working parents have been entitled to 15 free hours of childcare each week for children aged two since April 2024. From September 2024, this increases to 15 hours of free childcare for children who are nine months old. 

For three- and four-year-olds, there have been 30 free hours of childcare available but from September 2025 this is to be extended to 30 hours of free childcare for all children under five. 

However, these free hours are only available if parents earn over £9,518 a year. Those on certain benefits are already entitled to 15 free hours of childcare for two-, three- and four-year-olds.

Collaboration and Coordination:

• Government Agencies: Government agencies play a pivotal role in developing and implementing policies that support vulnerable families. This includes providing financial assistance, ensuring access to healthcare and education and funding community-based programmes such as Family Hubs. By coordinating efforts across different sectors, government agencies can create a comprehensive support system that addresses various aspects of family wellbeing.
• Non-Profit Organisations: Non-profit organisations are instrumental in delivering services and support to families in need. They often operate at the grassroots level, understanding the unique challenges faced by local communities. Non-profits can offer targeted programmes and interventions that complement government initiatives, filling gaps in services and reaching underserved populations. Charities such as the Trussell Trust, the UK’s largest foodbank network, gave out almost two million three-day emergency food parcels in the year leading up to March 2020. Likewise, the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) and End Child Poverty are campaigning to end child poverty, such as by striving for the government to end the two-child benefit cap.
• Healthcare Providers: Healthcare providers are often the first point of contact for families in distress. By integrating healthcare services with social support, providers can identify at-risk families early and connect them with necessary resources. Paediatricians, family doctors and mental health professionals play a crucial role in monitoring child development and family dynamics, offering guidance and referrals to support services.
• Educators: Schools and educators are key players in identifying and supporting vulnerable children. Teachers and school counsellors can recognise signs of neglect and provide a stable and supportive environment for students. Schools can also serve as hubs for community resources, offering programmes and services that support both children and parents.
• Community Leaders: Community leaders, including faith leaders, local business owners and activists, can mobilise resources and foster a sense of community support. By advocating for vulnerable families and promoting inclusive community initiatives, they help create a supportive environment where families feel valued and connected.

Creating a Safety Net

A robust safety net for vulnerable children and families requires the concerted effort of all these stakeholders working together. Collaboration and coordination among government agencies, non-profits, healthcare providers, educators and community leaders ensure that families receive holistic and continuous support. By building strong partnerships and fostering communication between different sectors, we can create an integrated support system that addresses the diverse needs of families facing economic hardship.

Strengthening support systems not only helps prevent child neglect but also promotes the overall wellbeing of children and families. By investing in community-based initiatives and fostering collaboration, we can build resilient communities where all children have the opportunity to thrive.

Advocating for Policy Change and Social Justice

To combat child neglect effectively and address its root causes, we must advocate for comprehensive policy changes and social justice initiatives. These efforts are essential to tackling the poverty and inequality that contribute to child neglect.

The Need for Policy Change and Social Justice

Child neglect is deeply intertwined with systemic issues of poverty and inequality. Without addressing these underlying factors, efforts to prevent neglect will be limited in their effectiveness. Policy change and social justice initiatives are crucial for creating an environment where families have the resources and support needed to care for their children. This involves addressing economic disparities, ensuring access to essential services, and dismantling barriers that perpetuate inequality.

During his general election campaign, Rishi Sunak claimed that the Conservative Party has reduced child poverty. His claims have sparked outrage during a time when millions of children are living in poverty with hundreds of thousands of them relying on food banks. Indeed, his government’s own statistics showed that 4.3 million children were living in poverty in 2022-2023, which is an increase of 100,000 compared with the previous year. What’s more, the evidence shows that there are now 600,000 more children living in poverty compared with when the Conservatives came to power. 

So, how can Sunak claim this? Simply put, he’s looking at absolute poverty, which in 2022-23 fell by 1.1 million since 2009-10. Yet even that is not as great a fall as the previous 13-year period where it fell by 7.8 million. Additionally, since Sunak became Prime Minister, absolute poverty actually rose on the 2022-2023 figures by two percentage points. This is actually the biggest increase in over 40 years, representing a further 300,000 children in absolute child poverty. 

However, the Conservatives are looking at making changes to their policies including increasing the cap on child benefit from £60,000 a year to £120,000 a year – though it’s arguable whether this will help the poorest of families. Likewise, with the funded childcare policy changes, few of the poorest families would be eligible for the full 30 hours. 

Essentially, there is a great need for policy change and reform to reduce poverty and therefore reduce childhood neglect. Indeed, it has been almost 20 years (and six Prime Ministers – at the time of writing) since the previous sustained period of falling poverty.

Policy Solutions to Reduce Poverty and Promote Social Inclusion

• Living Wage Laws: Ensuring that all workers receive a living wage is fundamental to reducing poverty. Living wage laws require employers to pay wages that meet the basic needs of workers and their families, including housing, food, healthcare and education. By providing a fair and adequate income, these laws help lift families out of poverty and reduce the financial stress that contributes to child neglect.
• Affordable Childcare: Access to affordable and high-quality childcare is critical for working parents, particularly those in low-income jobs. Subsidising childcare costs or providing free childcare services can enable parents to maintain employment while ensuring their children receive proper care and early education. Policies that support affordable childcare not only benefit children’s development but also enhance parents’ ability to provide for their families.
• Anti-Discrimination Measures: Discrimination and social exclusion are significant barriers to economic stability and social mobility. Anti-discrimination measures in employment, housing, education and healthcare can help level the playing field for marginalised communities. Policies that promote diversity, equity and inclusion are essential for creating a society where all families have equal opportunities to succeed and provide for their children.

Advocating for Policies that Prioritise Children and Families

• Child-Centred Policies: Advocacy efforts should focus on policies that prioritise the needs and rights of children. This includes ensuring that children have access to quality education, healthcare and safe living environments. Child-centred policies recognise that investing in the wellbeing of children is crucial for the long-term health and prosperity of society.
• Addressing Systemic Barriers: Effective advocacy must address the systemic barriers that perpetuate inequality and neglect. This involves challenging policies and practices that disadvantage certain groups and working towards a more just and inclusive society. Advocates should push for reforms in areas such as criminal justice, education and housing to eliminate disparities and create equal opportunities for all families.
• Raising Public Awareness: Raising public awareness about the link between poverty, inequality and child neglect is essential for generating support for policy changes. Advocacy campaigns that educate the public and policymakers about the importance of addressing these issues can help build momentum for reform. Highlighting personal stories and data on the impact of neglect can humanise the issue and underscore the urgency of action.
  Advocating for policy change and social justice is crucial for addressing the root causes of child neglect and promoting the wellbeing of vulnerable children and families. By pushing for living wage laws, affordable childcare, access to healthcare and anti-discrimination measures, we can reduce poverty and enhance social inclusion. Collaborative advocacy efforts and raising public awareness are essential for driving the policy changes needed to create a more equitable society.

Empowering Communities and Amplifying Voices

Empowering communities and amplifying the voices of those affected by poverty and neglect are crucial for driving systemic change. Grassroots movements, advocacy campaigns and community-led initiatives play a vital role in promoting social justice, economic empowerment and access to resources for marginalised families.

The Importance of Empowering Communities

Empowering communities involves giving individuals and groups the tools, resources and opportunities to influence decisions that affect their lives. When communities are empowered, they can advocate for their needs, challenge systemic inequalities and work towards sustainable solutions. Amplifying the voices of those who have experienced poverty and neglect ensures that policies and programmes are informed by lived experiences and address the real needs of the community.

Grassroots Movements and Advocacy Campaigns

Grassroots movements are powerful agents of change that arise from within communities. These movements often focus on specific issues, such as housing, healthcare or education, and work to mobilise local resources and support. By organising protests, petitions and community meetings, grassroots movements can raise awareness, influence public opinion and push for policy changes that benefit marginalised families.

Advocacy campaigns aim to influence policymakers and public attitudes towards issues of poverty and neglect. Campaigns like ‘End Child Poverty’ in the UK bring together various organisations and individuals to call for comprehensive policies that address the root causes of child poverty. These campaigns use a range of tactics, including lobbying, media outreach and public demonstrations, to highlight the importance of addressing poverty and its impact on children.

Community-Led Initiatives

• Social Justice Initiatives: Community-led initiatives that focus on social justice seek to address systemic inequalities and provide support to marginalised groups. These initiatives often involve collaborations between local organisations, faith groups and activists to offer services such as food banks, legal aid and mental health support. By addressing immediate needs and advocating for long-term solutions, social justice initiatives help build more equitable communities.
• Economic Empowerment Programmes: Programmes that promote economic empowerment provide individuals and families with the skills and resources needed to achieve financial stability. Initiatives such as job training, financial literacy workshops, and microfinance programmes enable people to improve their economic prospects and break the cycle of poverty. By empowering individuals economically, these programmes also enhance their ability to care for their children and prevent neglect.

The Role of Education, Awareness-Raising and Collective Action

• Education and Awareness-Raising: Education is a critical tool for empowering communities and promoting social change. Awareness-raising campaigns that educate the public about the causes and consequences of poverty and neglect help to challenge stigma and foster empathy. Schools, community centres and media outlets can play a significant role in disseminating information and encouraging informed discussions about these issues.
• Collective Action: Collective action involves bringing people together to work towards common goals. Community organising, coalition-building and collaborative initiatives enable individuals to pool their resources, knowledge and skills to achieve greater impact. By working collectively, communities can amplify their voices, advocate for systemic changes and create a supportive network that fosters resilience and empowerment.
• Challenging Stigma: Stigmatisation of poverty and neglect can prevent individuals from seeking help and exacerbate feelings of isolation and shame. Efforts to challenge and dismantle stigma are essential for creating an inclusive society where all individuals feel valued and supported. Public education campaigns, storytelling and community dialogues can help to shift perceptions and promote a more compassionate understanding of the challenges faced by marginalised families.
  Empowering communities and amplifying voices are fundamental to driving systemic change and addressing the root causes of poverty and neglect. By supporting grassroots movements, advocacy campaigns and community-led initiatives, we can promote social justice and economic empowerment. Education, awareness-raising and collective action are vital for mobilising support, challenging stigma and building momentum for positive change.

Final Thoughts

Addressing the link between poverty and child neglect requires a multifaceted approach that tackles the root causes of poverty while providing direct support to vulnerable families. Key insights highlight the importance of understanding how economic hardship contributes to conditions that increase the risk of neglect, such as inadequate housing, food insecurity, lack of access to healthcare and parental stress. Additionally, the cyclical nature of poverty and neglect underscores the need for interventions that break this cycle through education, employment opportunities, affordable housing and quality healthcare.

Strengthening support systems for families, advocating for policy change and promoting social justice are essential strategies. Community-based initiatives, such as family support services, parenting programmes and childcare assistance, offer holistic support that can mitigate the effects of poverty. Collaborative efforts between government agencies, non-profit organisations, healthcare providers, educators and community leaders are crucial for creating a comprehensive safety net.

Empowering communities and amplifying the voices of those affected by poverty and neglect drive systemic change. Grassroots movements, advocacy campaigns and community-led initiatives play a vital role in promoting social justice and economic empowerment. Education, awareness-raising and collective action are key to mobilising support, challenging stigma and building momentum for positive change.

Understanding and addressing the root causes of poverty is critical to preventing child neglect and promoting the wellbeing of vulnerable children. Readers are encouraged to advocate for systemic change, support community-based initiatives and work towards a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of socio-economic circumstances. By coming together to address these challenges, we can create a more just and equitable society for all children and families.