Multi- Agency Neglect Deep Dive 21/1/26: When does parental choice become neglect?
Course Overview
When Does Parental Choice Become Neglect is a focused 2-hour online training course designed for professionals working with children, young people, and families. Delivered live via Microsoft Teams, the session examines how practitioners can differentiate appropriate parental choice from decisions that place a child at risk of harm, and how to respond confidently within statutory safeguarding guidance and local practice in Cornwall.
Course Description
Parents and carers make a wide range of decisions about how they raise their children. While many reflect cultural norms, family values, or personal beliefs, some choices may compromise a child’s safety, development, or wellbeing.
This interactive online session supports professionals to navigate these complex situations with clarity, confidence, and a child-centred approach.
The course explores factors that influence parental decision-making, including lifestyle, culture, resources, beliefs, and the impact of stress or vulnerability. Participants will examine when parental choice moves into the realm of neglect, how cumulative risk develops, and how to distinguish between differences in parenting style and situations where children’s basic needs are not being met.
Using current UK legislation and Cornwall’s local safeguarding arrangements, the session reinforces the importance of professional curiosity, respectful challenge, and robust assessment. Practitioners will consider practical examples, thresholds, and multi-agency processes to support effective decision making.
The session is suitable for professionals across education, health, social care, early help, youth services, and the voluntary and community sector working with children and families in Cornwall.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Define child neglect and understand how parental choices can contribute to unmet needs or harm.
- Differentiate between acceptable parental choice and neglect, using evidence-based indicators and a child-centred lens.
- Recognise cumulative risk factors and how parental beliefs, stressors, or vulnerabilities may influence decision-making.
- Assess the impact of parental choices on children’s development, safety, and wellbeing.
- Identify when concerns should be supported through Early Help and when they meet the threshold for safeguarding intervention.
- Respond effectively to concerns, including documenting decisions, sharing information, and escalating in line with Cornwall’s safeguarding procedures.
Cancellation Charge
Please note that with effect from 1st November we will be introducing a cancellation charge of £75. This will apply to cancellations that take place 48hours or less before the start of the course or if you book a place but do not attend. If you are unable to use your place you can move to an alternative date or arrange for someone else to attend in your place but please email us at OSCPtraining@cornwall.gov.uk
to let us know.
There are currently no dates for this event.