Poverty and inequality are rising in the UK and so to are numbers children in care. The prevailing neo-liberal discourse blames parents for their circumstances, failing to acknowledge the impact of poverty on child neglect and abuse. Current risk averse responses to child abuse and neglect seek to “rescue” or “save” children by removing them early from their families.

It is against this background that my PhD research aims to explore the intricacies of the relationship between poverty, inequality and child neglect in one Cardiff neighborhood. Using ethnographic and action research methods I seek to co-produce an explanatory model based on family and community understandings of child neglect and to consider whether a practicable community response to child neglect can be developed.