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by , 13th Nov 2013

I’ve continued my exploration on issues plaguing the children of our world that may not be obvious at first sight. In my last post, emotional child abuse was the “silent abuse” I studied. 

In this post, child neglect, like emotional child abuse, doesn’t show itself through physical bruising. This “psychological abuse” rears its ugly head in a child’s appearance and actions.

What child neglect is and who it impacts

neglected-childChild neglect is defined as the failure of a parent, guardian or other caregiver to provide for a child’s basic needs.1 Neglect can be considered any of the following:

  • Physical: Failure to provide necessary food, shelter or supervision.
  • Medical: Failure to provide necessary health treatments.
  • Educational: Failure to educate a child or attend to special needs.
  • Emotional: Failure to attend to a child’s emotional needs, provide psychological care or permitting a child to take part in detrimental activities.2

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Administration for Children and Families said that in 2011, there were 676,569 victims of child abuse and neglect. Of the reports, 78.5% were neglect.3 Studies show the majority of child neglect cases are girls and young children.4

How neglect shows itself in a child

Neglect is best observed by individuals in close and frequent contact with a child, most commonly a teacher or school official. These individuals are able to recognize and monitor the different signs that show the presence of neglect, including:

  • Clothing that is ill-fitting, dirty or inappropriate for the weather
  • Consistently bad hygiene
  • Untreated illnesses and physical injuries
  • Child is frequently unsupervised or left alone in an unsafe environment
  • Child is frequently late or missing from school5

How parents may reveal there is an issue

dad-and-son

Children are not the only ones to show signs of neglect. Parents may also reveal that there is an issue in the home. They do this in many ways, including blaming the child for its problems, demanding a level of performance the child cannot achieve or showing little concern for the child. Issues between a parent and child become obvious if the pair rarely touch or look at each other, say they do not like each other or talk of their relationship in a negative matter.

How to help

phisical-child-neglect

The first step in helping a neglected child is learning to recognize the signs. Then evaluate the situation and recognize any high-risk situations. If a child is being harmed, reporting your findings could protect him or her so do not feel guilty about making accusations. Investigate and determine if help is needed.

If you suspect a child is suffering from neglect, report the issue to a local child protective services agency. In the United States, “reasonable suspicion” based on objective
evidence is all that is needed to file a report.6

Children of any age are in need of love and attention, not neglect. Pay attention to children and nurture them to show you care. They will love you for it and grow to be better people in our world.

1 https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/whatiscan.pdf
2 https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/whatiscan.pdf
3 http://www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/cb/cm11.pdf
4 http://www.psychologytoday.com/conditions/child-neglect
5 http://www.helpguide.org/mental/child_abuse_physical_emotional_sexual_neglect.htm
6 http://www.americanhumane.org/children/stop-child-abuse/fact-sheets/child-neglect.html

2 comments

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  • terzic.igor08@gmail.com' igor terzic says:

    Certainly, the problem of child neglect their usual need is something that should not run like the devil from the cross or stick your head in the sand when you notice that there is something like this , but our alarm system that alerts us to the basic of the basic human rights of children.
    Children should have special care and care about how and in what manner to satisfy all their desires are part of their growing up and maturing in the process that brings a lot of joy when we give a child a smile as a sign of gratitude for all that we adults can do for them to help children feel safe and loved by those who are closest to their parents and teachers in school or kindergarten .
    Normally the child demands our full commitment to their life easier and more beautiful for oniliko as an effort to join forces to fulfill their dreams into something that they can achieve with our generous assistance which lead them to the right path , the one that they are opening up the possibilities that will help them a lot to us and be part of our efforts to work to make children happy and joyful Relive your childhood in which there is no place for those who are unable to meet the demands of children that their goals can be met only if we boost a in this way of maturing and learning the basic rules to be followed , and when they grow up .
    Children and their needs, we must be the first on the list of priorities that we will dedicate our full attention is directed to offer them everything they need to thrive and develop into stable people who will not suffer because of our inability to be companions of their growing up in such a insofar as is necessary in order not to divert from the right path that brings them many chances and opportunities to fully exploit their potential they possess .

  • goran.podunavac@gmail.com' Goran says:

    It’s very said when you work in school and when you see those help, but as always we do all our best to help them.

    Great post, Elena. Really liked this topic!

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