The failure of a person responsible for a child’s welfare to provide for a child’s basic needs or to protect from harm to the degree that the child’s health, safety, or well-being are threatened. Signs of possible neglect may include a child who frequently comes to school unkempt or with a body odor, a child with an obvious medical need that is not being addressed, a child who hoards or steals food, or a child who is seldom dressed appropriately for the weather. These signs are also potential indicators of poverty. Parents/caregivers who cannot provide for children as a result of poverty are not committing neglect but may need supportive services. Youth-serving organizations should be trained to determine the difference.
