Child maltreatment is the abuse or neglect of a child who is under the age of 18. Child neglect, a specific form of child maltreatment, refers to the consistent failure of a caregiver to meet a child’s basic needs. Examples of a child’s basic needs that may be omitted include, but are not limited to, health care, education, nutrition, emotional support, and a safe living environment. This entry examines the prevalence and different types of child neglect, as well as the causes and symptoms of child neglect. The entry concludes with the effects of neglect on children and intervention efforts.

Prevalence of Child Neglect

Based on Health and Human Services (HHS) data from 2013, child neglect is the most common form of child maltreatment. More than 79% ...

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