What Is Child Abandonment and Neglect?

Child abuse doesn’t always take the form of physical abuse. Child neglect and abandonment are forms of abuse that do not leave visible bruising and scars. However, they still bring harm to the child.

The Facts

According to The National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System, child neglect is the failure to care for a child despite being able to do so. The organization describes abandonment as a form of neglect.

Significance

Child neglect and abandonment can lead to serious emotional and physical conditions that can hinder the child’s growth and development. These conditions include dehydration, malnutrition and depression.

Signs

The most common signs of child abandonment and neglect are bad hygiene, constant hunger and injuries that are untreated.

Prevention and Solution

Severe child abandonment and neglect can be prevented by reporting it to the authorities as soon as a problem is suspected. In many states, childcare providers, teachers and school counselors are required to report any suspected cases of abuse.

Misconceptions

Not all abandoned and neglected children come from poor families and not all are physically abused. Some cases involve a parent that is too sick mentally or physically to properly care for the child.

References

• American Humane: Child Neglect
• PDR Health: Child Maltreatment
• Help Guide: Child Abuse and Neglect