Causes and Treatment of Child Neglect

Written by HealthyPlace.com Staff Writer

Find out the reasons why parents may neglect or abuse their children plus information on the treatment of child neglect.

Most parents don't hurt or neglect their children intentionally. Many were themselves abused or neglected. Very young or inexperienced parents might not know how to take care of their babies or what they can reasonably expect from children at different stages of development. Circumstances that place families under extraordinary stress — for instance, poverty, divorce, sickness, disability—sometimes take their toll in the maltreatment of children. Parents who abuse alcohol or abuse other drugs are more likely to abuse or neglect their children.

Researchers propose that factors of parenting stem from the parents' own developmental history and psychological well-being, characteristics of the family and child, and coping strategies and resources.

Treatment of Child Neglect

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Parent education, community centers, respite care services and substance abuse treatment programs help to protect children by addressing circumstances that place families at risk for child abuse and neglect.

There are 20 states that require every citizen who suspects abuse or neglect to report it. "Reasonable suspicion" based on objective evidence which could be firsthand observation or hearing statements made by a parent or child — is all that is needed to report abuse.

Understanding neglect requires an awareness of related social problems such as poverty, substance abuse and domestic violence. Interventions to treat children and families affected by neglect require thorough assessments and customized treatment.

Sources:

• Administration for Children and Families
• National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information
• National Institutes of Health - National Library of Medicine
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect

next: Reporting Child Neglect