Indicators of Neglect

There may be physical indicators that a child is being neglected. Some examples of this are:

• Inappropriate dress for the weather
• Extremely dirty or unbathed
• Inadequately supervised or left alone for unacceptable periods of time
• Malnourished
• May have severe nappy rash or other persistent skin disorders or rashes resulting from improper care or lack of hygiene

There may also be indicators in a child’s behaviour that could indicate neglect. Some examples of this are:

• Demonstrates severe lack of attachment to other adults
• Poor school attendance or school performance
• Poor social skills
• May steal food
• Is very demanding of affection or attention
• Has no understanding of basic hygiene

There may be indicators in adult behaviour that could indicate neglect. Some examples of this are:

• Fails to provide for the child’s basic needs, such as housing, nutrition, medical and psychological care
• Fails to enrol a child in school or permits truancy
• Leaves the child home alone
• Is overwhelmed with own problems and puts own needs ahead of the child’s needs

More details and examples of indicators of neglect are available in the book 'How Can I Tell?'.  You can view 'How Can I Tell?' online or you can order copies of 'How Can I Tell?' through our shop.