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Multi- Agency Neglect Deep Dive 25/2/26: Adolescent Neglect

Course Overview

Adolescent Neglect is a focused 2-hour online training course designed for professionals working with young people and families. Delivered live via Microsoft Teams, the session explores how neglect manifests in adolescence, why it is often overlooked or misunderstood, and how practitioners can identify and respond to concerns in line with statutory safeguarding guidance and local practice in Cornwall.

Course Description

Neglect affecting adolescents can be particularly complex. Older young people may appear more independent, spend more time outside the home, or mask unmet needs through risk-taking behaviours. As a result, their experiences of neglect may be minimised, misinterpreted, or attributed solely to “typical teenage behaviour.” This interactive online session supports professionals to recognise the distinct ways neglect impacts adolescents and to respond with curiosity, empathy, and effective safeguarding practice.

The course examines key risk factors and presentations of adolescent neglect, including lack of supervision, educational disengagement, emotional withdrawal, exposure to exploitation, and unmet health or mental health needs. Participants will explore the interaction between neglect and contextual risks such as peer groups, online influences, and community environments, along with how cumulative harm may escalate during this developmental stage.

Grounded in current UK legislation and Cornwall’s multi-agency safeguarding expectations, the session emphasises the importance of understanding adolescent development, maintaining engagement, and ensuring young people’s voices are heard. Practitioners will consider thresholds, assessment approaches, and the role of Early Help and safeguarding responses in supporting young people effectively.

This session is suitable for professionals across education, health, social care, early help, youth work, and the voluntary and community sector working with young people in Cornwall.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Define adolescent neglect and recognise how its presentation differs from neglect in younger children.
2. Identify key indicators and risk factors for neglect in adolescence, including contextual and cumulative harms.
3. Understand the impact of neglect on adolescent development, mental health, behaviour, and vulnerability to exploitation.
4. Differentiate between typical teenage behaviour, the concept of ‘adultification’ and signs of unmet needs or neglect using a child-centred, developmentally informed approach.
5. Recognise when concerns require Early Help support and when they meet the threshold for safeguarding intervention.
6. Respond appropriately to concerns, including engaging adolescents effectively, recording concerns, information sharing, and escalation in line with Cornwall’s safeguarding processes.

Cancellation Charge

Please note that with effect from 1^st 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.

Dates