What is child neglect?

Neglect generally involves an omission or a failure to do something. Neglect often involves a parent, daycare provider or other caregiver  failing to provide for the basic needs of a child. This can include a failure to provide an education, medical care, food, clothing, shelter, and much more. Neglect also involves failure to provide adequate supervision permitting the child to be in a situation that could harm him or her.

Child neglect is the most common type of child maltreatment in the U.S. Reports have shown that over 560,000 U.S. children were victims of neglect in 2005. More than 42 percent of all child maltreatment fatalities arose out of child neglect compared to about 24 percent of fatalities that arose out of abuse and neglect. 

If you suspect your child is being neglected or abused, read our articles, Missouri and Kansas Daycare Injuries: Is Your Child a Victim? and Is Your Child a Victim of Abuse: Learn the Signs.