RECOGNIZING PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL NEGLECT
Physical Neglect
Indicators of physical neglect include:
- Consistent hunger
- Poor hygiene (skin, teeth, ears, etc.)
- Inappropriate attire for the season
- Failure to thrive (physically or emotionally)
- Positive indication of toxic exposure, especially in newborns, such as drug withdrawal symptoms, tremors, etc.
- Delayed physical development
- Speech disorders
- Consistent lack of supervision, especially in dangerous activities or for long periods of time
- Unattended physical problems or medical or dental needs
- Chronic truancy
- Abandonment
(Clermont County CPS, 2021)
Emotional Neglect
A child may demonstrate behavioral indicators of neglect such as:
- Begging or stealing food
- Extended stays at school (early arrival or late departure)
- Constant fatigue, listlessness, or falling asleep in class
- Alcohol or other substance abuse
- Delinquency, such as shoplifting
- Reports there is no caretaker at home
- Runaway behavior
- Habit disorders (sucking, nail biting, rocking, etc.)
- Conduct disorders (antisocial or destructive behaviors)
- Neurotic traits (sleep disorders, inhibition of play)
- Psychoneurotic reactions (hysteria, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, phobias, hypochondria)
- Extreme behavior (compliant or passive, aggressive or demanding)
- Overly adaptive behavior (inappropriately adult, inappropriately infantile)
- Delays in mental and/or emotional development
- Suicide attempt
(Clermont County CPS, 2021)