Definitions & Legal Aspects
What is the definition of neglect?
Chronic inattention or omission to provide basic emotional and/or physical needs.
What is physical neglect?
Failure to provide health care, food, clothing, supervision, or protection.
What are general signs of neglect?
Dirty skin, poor hygiene, inappropriate clothing, untreated injuries.
What is 'serve and return'?
Responsive back-and-forth exchanges between child and caregiver.
How can poverty lead to neglect?
Limited resources may prevent meeting basic needs.
What does the Canadian Criminal Code say about criminal negligence?
It involves wanton or reckless disregard for lives or safety.
What is educational neglect?
Permitting truancy, failure to enroll in school, ignoring educational needs.
What is NFTT?
Non-organic Failure to Thrive – poor growth not caused by medical disorder.
Why is serve and return important?
It shapes brain architecture and supports development.
Can family violence cause neglect?
Yes, it may lead to depression or inability to care for children.
What are some basic needs listed in the definition of neglect?
Food, clothing, shelter, supervision, education, health, hygiene, safety
What is emotional neglect?
Failure to meet nurturing needs, exposing child to abuse, allowing substance use.
Name one consequence of NFTT.
Weight loss, pale skin, lethargy, developmental delays.
What happens when serve and return is absent?
Activates stress response and hinders brain development.
What are some socioeconomic risk factors?
Unemployment, limited education, large families.
What does 'duty' mean in the Criminal Code?
A duty imposed by law.
Give one example of physical neglect.
Abandonment or inadequate supervision.
What are signs of neglect in young children?
Consistent hunger, developmental delays, poor school performance.
How does neglect affect serve and return?
Neglected children may not receive consistent responses.
How does financial control in a relationship contribute?
It may prevent access to necessities.
What is the most commonly reported form of neglect?
Failure to supervise children leading to physical harm or risk.
Give one example of emotional neglect.
Refusing psychosocial care or encouraging maladaptive behaviors.
What are signs of neglect in adolescents?
Running away, antisocial behavior, isolation.
What is one example of serve and return?
A baby babbles and caregiver responds with words or touch.
Do all families in poverty neglect their children?
No, neglect is not inevitable in poverty.