Understanding Child Neglect

What is neglect?

When a child doesn't have their basic needs met by the people who are supposed to look after them it's called neglect.

A child’s needs may be similar across cultures, but how these needs are met might differ from one family to another
Parenting behaviour can range from ‘good enough’ parenting through to an inability to provide for a child’s basic needs
Some parents may have difficulty providing for their children due to circumstances like poverty, addiction or mental illness

What are a child’s basic needs?

There are several needs which affect a child’s development and that need to be attended to by their parent or caregiver.

When these needs are not met, it can have lifelong physical, cognitive and emotional impacts.

Physical – shelter, food, clothing, hygiene, sleep
Affection – cuddles, kisses, holding, tenderness, patience
Security – consistent care, appropriate boundaries
Guidance – teaching life skills, instilling values
Independence – balancing protection and exploring
Responsibility – appropriate chores, involved in decisions
Stimulation – encouragement, praise, play
Approval – understanding and acceptance

Neglect is usually more than a one-off incident. It can build up over time and the behaviour may become normalised by the parent and child.

Types of neglect

Child neglect can occur across a number of different areas in a child’s life. Neglect may include just one type, a few different types or all of them.

Supervisory neglect

Absence or inattention leading to harm

Abandonment

Child left for long periods of time

Medical neglect

Appropriate medical care not provided

Emotional neglect

Lack of warmth and emotional support

Educational neglect

Schooling needs unmet

Physical neglect

Not enough food, clothing, unsafe at home

The signs of neglect

It may indicate neglect if a child shows any of these signs:

Is frequently absent from school
Inadequate, worn out or dirty clothing
Living in unhygienic or unsafe conditions
May steal or beg for food, clothing, money
Extremely dirty, unwashed or have body odour
Frequently hungry, without food or malnourished
Is home alone for long periods without supervision
Untreated injuries, illness or physical conditions
Parent or carer is abusing alcohol or other substances
Parent or carer may appear indifferent toward to the child

Everybody has a part to play in protecting children from abuse and harm.

Who else can help?

If you have a reason to suspect a child is experiencing harm, or is at risk of experiencing harm, contact an authority in your State and talk to them about your concerns.

Understanding child neglect