Neglect in Children
Abstract
Child neglect is by far the most common form of child maltreatment. Approximately two-thirds of reports to child protective services involve neglect.1 Per a community survey in 2006, the frequency of neglect is 30.6 per 1,000 children, with lower rates of 6.5, 2.4, and 4.1 for physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, respectively.2
Neglect is not as benign as the term suggests. Neglect can have substantial and long-term effects on children’s physical and mental health and cognitive development. Examples include fatalities,1 impaired brain development,3 and adult problems such as liver4 and ischemic heart disease.5 Neglect also has been associated with inferior academic performance,6 emotional, and behavioral problems,7 as well as depression and suicidality decades later.8
Neglect poses challenges to pediatricians. There is often uncertainty regarding what constitutes neglect and how best to address it. This article covers definitional considerations and principles for assessing and addressing neglect, prevention, and advocacy.
Description
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Article
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Keywords
intervention, child neglect, care, long term effects, assessment, pediatricians
Citation
Dubowitz, H. (2013). Neglect in children. Pediatric annals, 42(4), e72-e76.