Almost 100 representatives from schools and organisations who work with children and young people across Richmond and Twickenham came together to learn more about how to tackle child neglect.

The event was organised by the Local Safeguarding Children Boards (LSCB) for Richmond and Kingston. Attendees heard from Dr Jenny Molloy, the author of ‘Hackney Child,’ a book based on true life events looking at the challenges a child encounters growing up in the care system.

In addition, attendees heard from a leading professor of social work from Kingston University, Emeritus Professor of Social Work, Ray Jones, educational psychologists and our Virtual School Headteacher.

They also took part in workshops to make sure they were aware of how to spot neglect and how to combat it.

Cllr Penny Frost, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Schools, attended the Conference. She said: “Children have a right to grow up safe from harm. It is not acceptable for any child to live in neglect.

“It is so important that those people who work with children, young people and families across Richmond upon Thames understand the issues around child neglect, are able to identify it and know what they can do to help prevent it and support those children who are affected. This conference gave practitioners support and guidance they need to help stamp out neglect in our borough.”

Chris Robson, Chair of the Richmond and Kingston LSCBs, added: “Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and / or psychological needs. This can hugely impact the child’s health or future development.

“This conference brought together experts from across the health, social care and education professions and offered practical and useful advice, which delegates can take away and put into practice in their own roles.”

The Richmond and Kingston LSCB is an independent statutory partnership with senior representatives from the Council, Police, Education, NHS, other statutory agencies, the voluntary sector and wider public.

The Board is responsible for ensuring all agencies in the borough involved in safeguarding, work together effectively, monitor best policy and practice in safeguarding and ensure all agencies are fulfilling their duties and guarantee statutory guidance in relation to Serious Case Reviews. All with the joint purpose – ensuring local children and young people stay safe.