Neglect occurs when parents, guardians or custodians do not provide proper or necessary subsistence, education, medical care or other care necessary for healthy development. By itself, lack of financial means to provide for a child is not neglect.
Physical signs may include:
• Poor hygiene
• Inappropriate or ill-fitting clothing
• Being left alone or with people unable to provide proper supervision
• Obvious lack of necessary medical treatment
• Low body weight
Behavioral signs may include:
• Chronic hunger or sleepiness
• Delayed language development
• Clinging behavior or development of indiscriminate attachments
• Frequent complains of feeling unwell
• Frequent tardiness or absence from school
• Stealing food