Child Neglect and Emotional Abuse

Celia started her professional career as a social worker in a local authority children’s team but under the 1968 Seebohm Report reforms became ‘generic’. Subsequently, she focussed on psychiatric social work then for over eleven years was a specialist in child protection employed by the NSPCC. After a break for family commitments, she acquired qualifications in psychology recognised by the British Psychological Association and became an independent play worker. Subsequently, while working as a senior lecturer in university settings she undertook research into the emotional abuse of children, which culminated in a doctoral thesis. She has published extensively in the field of child protection. She continues to research and lecture in child protection particularly in early childhood studies at the University of Northampton.  Charles D TimmsCharles originally qualified in biomedical sciences at Southampton University where he developed an interest in the influence of very early experiences on later health outcomes and the Barker hypothesis. He undertook research into foetal malnutrition then continued his investigations into the impact of childhood nutrition on health in later life at Swansea University. He also gained insights into the nature and effect of head injury and brain lesions, including those associated with substance misuse, while working at St Andrew’s Hospital in Northampton. He then turned his attention to the practical application of his studies and in order to qualify as a doctor, became a graduate-entry student studying medicine at St Georges, University of London.

• UnderstandingDefinitions and the roots of oppression Lessons from inquiriesChild development: physical and physiological factorsChild development: psychosocial factorsAssessmentThe fear factor Siblings and the Cinderella syndromeInappropriate roles for childrenFrom assessment to responseResponseAttachment issuesFamily support and interventionPromoting resilience in childrenSociety, prevention and future directions

This articulate overview of child neglect and emotional abuse highlights the seriousness of these fundamental, but sometimes underestimated, types of child maltreatment. The book examines theory, empirical research, case studies and practical applications, providing a comprehensive guide for any reader who is serious about studying this crucial topic.