Child Maltreatment - Neglect

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Child neglect is a form of mistreatment that occurs when a person does not provide needed care to a child. A child is anyone younger than 18 years old. Child neglect includes not giving a child his basic needs, such as food, clothing, shelter, proper education, guidance, and care. Child neglect may also include abandoning or not providing needed supervision for the child. It can also include lack of needed medical care, such as immunizations, treatments, or giving the wrong amount of medicine.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Follow up with your child's primary healthcare provider as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your child's visits.

Care for your child:

• Rest: Let your child rest if he needs to. Tell your child's primary healthcare provider if he has trouble sleeping.
  
  
• Give your child a variety of healthy foods to eat: Healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meats, and fish. Ask if your child needs to be on a special diet. A dietitian may talk to you, your child, or other family members or carer about helping your child get the right nutrition.
  
  
• Report child neglect: It may be hard to report neglect in children, but it is very important. Caregivers can help your child if he is at risk for or is a victim of neglect. Caregivers are required by law to report suspected child neglect. Your child may need to leave his current living situation and placed in foster care to provide needed care.
  
  
• Take your child for counseling: Neglect may cause your child to feel scared, depressed, or anxious. Your child's primary healthcare provider may suggest that your child see a counselor to talk about how he feels.

Contact your child's primary healthcare provider if:

• Your child has problems eating or gaining weight.
  
  
• Your child is sad or depressed most of the time.
  
  
• Your child has new signs and symptoms.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your child's condition or care.

Return to the emergency department if:

• Your child feels like hurting himself or someone else.
  
  
• Your child feels that he cannot cope with the neglect, or his recovery from it.
  
  
• Your child has trouble breathing, chest pain, or a fast heartbeat.
  
  
• Your child has trouble sleeping.

Learn more about Child Maltreatment - Neglect (Aftercare Instructions)