Child Maltreatment - Neglect

What is child neglect?

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.

What causes child neglect?

The exact cause of child neglect is not known. Poor, violent, or crowded living conditions may be one of the reasons it occurs. The following are other possible causes and conditions that may increase a child's risk of neglect:

• Risks related to your child:
  
  
  • Your child has learning or memory problems.
    
    
  • Your child has a long-term condition or special needs.
    
    
  • Your child has no relatives or friends who can take care of him.
  
  
• Risks related to the people your child is around:
  
  
  • Your child has a single or teenaged parent.
    
    
  • Your child is around someone who drinks alcohol or uses drugs.
    
    
  • Your child is around someone who has a history of family violence, such as physical or sexual abuse.
    
    
  • Your child is around someone who has a personality disorder, depression, or another mental illness.
    
    
  • Your child is around someone who has stress due to work or financial problems.

What are the signs and symptoms of child neglect?

• Frequent absences from school
  
  
• Begging or stealing
  
  
• Hunger or dehydration
  
  
• Depression or a worsening health condition
  
  
• Lack of dental care or immunizations
  
  
• Poor hygiene, such as wearing dirty clothes, having body odor, lice, or untreated wounds
  
  
• Weight loss or not able to gain weight or increase height

How is child neglect diagnosed?

Your child's caregiver will examine your child. He will ask about other health conditions and if his vaccinations are current. He may want to talk to you, your child, or others who care for your child to get more information about the kind of neglect that has occurred. He may ask if your child has been eating, taking medicines, and given clothing. Caregivers may also want to know who is neglecting your child, and how long the neglect has been happening. Your child may need to take tests or answer written questions so his caregiver can learn more about his condition. Your child may also need any of the following:

• Blood and urine tests: These tests may be done to check for problems, such as an infection or dehydration.
  
  
• X-rays: These may be done to see if any bones have been broken or are displaced. X-rays of your child's chest and abdomen may also be taken.
  
  
• CT scan: This test is also called a CAT scan. An x-ray machine uses a computer to take pictures to help caregivers find injuries. Your child may be given a dye before the pictures are taken to help caregivers see the pictures better. Tell the caregiver if your child has ever had an allergic reaction to contrast dye.

How is child neglect treated?

A child who has been neglected may be placed in a daycare center or foster home. Special services may be offered to ensure a child's safety and health. Treatment may also include any of the following:

• Counseling: Neglect may cause your child to feel scared, depressed, or anxious. Your child's caregiver may suggest that your child see a counselor to help him with how he feels.
  
  
• Surgery or wound care: Your child may need surgery to treat injuries, wounds, or other health conditions.

What are the risks of child neglect?

If your child is placed in a foster home or care, it may be hard for him to be away from his family or friends. Counseling may be emotionally difficult and painful. If child neglect is not stopped or left untreated, your child's hygiene, nutrition, or health may get worse. Your child may have changes in his behavior and performance, and he may also develop other serious problems. These include running away from home, alcohol or drug use, depression, and problems with his self-esteem, moods, and relationships.

How can I care for my child?

• Rest: Let your child rest if he needs to. Tell your child's caregiver 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 of 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 caregiver may suggest that he see a counselor to talk about how he feels.

When should I contact my child's caregiver?

Contact your child's caregiver 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.

When should I seek immediate care?

Seek care immediately or call 911 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.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your child's care. Learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your child's caregivers to decide what care you want for your child.

Learn more about Child Maltreatment - Neglect