child neglect is linked with domestic violence. Parents who are preoccupied with surviving abuse cannot always be there physically and emotionally for their children. I don't say this to make anyone feel guilty it is just one of the many things that go hand in hand with parenting children in abusive relationships.
child neglect can be defined as such:
Child neglect is defined as occurring when chronic inattention is given by the child's parents or caregiver's, to children’s emotional, physical, environmental, medical nutritional, educational and stimulative needs
Physical neglect is a failure to provide adequate food, shelter, clothing, education, protection, supervision, and medical care, or place persons at undue risk through unsafe practices.
Emotional Neglect is the failure to provide the affection nurturance or stimulation needed for social, intellectual, emotional growth or well being
Indicators of neglect
One of the physical indicators of neglect is inappropriate or dirty clothing
. Chronically neglected children may also present as notably small for their age Children may be chronically hungry chronically listless, medical conditions related to poor hygiene
The physical environment will often be littered and lacking in basic hygiene.
Behavioural Indicators
The parent child interactions will be minimal There may be severe developmental delays without any apparent cause . A neglected child may display unpredictable behaviour or aggressive behaviour Poor social skills, passive or withdrawn behavior may also be indicative of neglect A lack of secure attachment is often a feature and indicator of neglect
note: not all children who display some of thes indicators are neglected children. Care needs to be taken into assessing neglect.
A Child's Protective Needs
A childs protective needs are those needs that if met ensure a child is safe from significant harm.
According to the Charter of Children's Rights found at www.unicef.org:
The right to life
The right to an adequate standard of living that ensures protection of a child' s physical, mental, spiritual moral and social development
The right to the highest standard of health care
The right to education
