Neglect
Occurs when a parent or caretaker allows a child to experience avoidable suffering or fails to provide basic essentials for physical, social, and emotional development.
Physical Indicators
- underweight, poor growth patterns, failure to thrive
- consistent hunger, poor hygiene, inappropriate dress
- consistent lack of supervision, especially in dangerous activities or for long periods of time
- wasting of subcutaneous tissue
- unattended physical problems or medical needs
- abandonment
- bald patches on the scalp
Behavioral Indicators
- begging, stealing food
- extended stays at school (early arrival and late departure)
- rare attendance at school
- constant fatigue, listlessness or falling asleep in class
- inappropriate seeking of affection
- assuming adult responsibilities and concerns
- alcohol or drug abuse
- delinquency
- reports that there is no caretaker
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