The experience of chronic neglect is extremely harmful to children's physical, emotional, cognitive and behavioural development. As an area of research it has been traditionally described as neglected, and as an arena of practice it is viewed as complex and intractable. Over the last few decades, however, there has been a body of evidence building up to help with the understanding of the impact of neglect upon children and to guide intervention. This paper draws on experience as a researcher in the field to present some thoughts on our current understanding of neglect, and how we can move forward with more appropriate responses. It argues that existing evidence is not being used to best effect and that current protective systems, like those in the UK, are still struggling to provide an effective response to neglected children. The language of neglect has become over‐complicated and the systems and processes for assessment, planning and intervention are mired in bureaucracy. Some of these complexities are explored in more detail and a model is proposed that would support a more direct and straightforward response to children whose needs are not being met. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. ‘current protective systems’ ‘are still struggling to provide an effective response to neglected children’ Key Practitioner Messages Agencies and practitioners need to avoid being driven into developing complex responses by the complexity of neglect as a phenomenon. Separate ‘child protection’ and ‘family support/child in need’ pathways are not helpful for neglected children. In relation to a neglected child, practitioners can consider what the child needs and what they need people to think about and do on their behalf.