Let's Talk about Neglect

PCA wants to educate Newaygo County members on neglect and to recognize the signs at home and in the community. Together we can protect Nowaygo County children from experiencing neglect.
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) defines neglect as the following;
  • Harm or threatened harm to a child's health or welfare by a parent, legal guardian, or any other person responsible for the child's health or welfare that occurs through either of the following: Negligent treatment, including the failure to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, or medical care.

Did you know that many parents who neglect children do not do so intentionally?

What are some signs of neglect?

          Researchers have found that neglectful parenting may emerge from a caregiver's own developmental history or psychological well-being. For example;
  • Many neglectful parents were themselves neglected or abused as children.
  • Very young or inexperienced parents, might not fully understand how to care for a baby or what can reasonably be expected of children at different stages of development.
  • Circumstances that place families under extraordinary stress, such as; poverty, divorce, sickness, or disability, sometimes lead to the neglect or mistreatment of children.
  • Parents who struggle with alcohol or other drugs abuse.

          A number of neglected children present as suffering from medical conditions, failure to thrive, or malnutrition, which in severe cases can be life-threatening. Observable signs include dirty skin; offensive body odor; unwashed, uncombed hair; undersized, oversized, or unclean clothing; clothing inappropriate for the weather; and frequent lack of supervision.
School personnel are advised to consider the possibility of neglect when a child:
  • Is frequently absent.
  • Steals or begs for food or money.
  • Lacks needed medical or dental care, immunizations, or glasses.
  • Is consistently dirty and has severe body odor.
  • Lacks sufficient clothing for the weather.
  • Abuses alcohol or other drugs.
  • States that there is no one at home to provide care.
Neglect may also be considered when a parent or caregiver presents as:
  • Indifferent to the child.
  • Apathetic or depressed.
  • Irrational.
  • Abusing alcohol or other drugs.

Types of Child Neglect

Physical Neglect

Failure to provide for a child's basic survival needs, such as nutrition, clothing, shelter, hygiene, and medical care. Physical neglect may also involve inadequate supervision of a child and other forms of reckless disregard of the child's safety and welfare.

Medical Neglect

Failure to provide or to allow needed care as recommended by a competent health-care professional for a physical injury, illness, medical condition, or impairment. It also includes the failure to seek timely and appropriate medical care for a serious health problem that any reasonable person would have recognized as needing professional medical attention.

Educational Neglect

Failure of a parent or caregiver to enroll a child of mandatory school age in school or to provide appropriate homeschooling or needed special education training.

Chronic Neglect

Repeatedly failure to meet a child's basic physical, developmental, and/or emotional needs over time, establishing a pattern of harmful conditions that can have long-term negative consequences for health and well-being.

Child Protection Law

Press the button to launch the Michigan Legislature website; educate yourself about ACT 238 of 1975

Mandate Report

Did you know about mandated report?
Michigan Child Protection Law requires certain professionals to report their suspicions of child abuse or neglect to Centralized Intake (CI) at the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). These people are mandated reporters and have established relationships with children based on their profession.
 
If you wan to learn more about mandated report, please click on the buttom;