1. Help Prevent Child Neglect You can make a difference

2. What is child neglect? It’s a repeated failure to provide a child with needed care, protection and attention. Every child needs physical and emotional support. This includes: • Proper food, clothing, shelter and medical care • Plenty of attention, affection and supervision • Positive experiences Child neglect can happen to any child. It affects children of all ages, ethnic backgrounds, religions, and social or economic groups. Consider this: • More than a million cases of neglect are reported each year • Neglect can hurt a child’s chances for a happy future. But people who care can change a child’s life for the better.

3. There are 3 main types of neglect This many include: Physical Neglect • Abandonment or rejection • Lack of supervision • Failure to provide food, clothing, or proper hygiene • Failure to seek medical care Emotional Neglect • Continuing lack of attention, affection and support • Refusing treatment for mental problems Educational Neglect • Absences from school that the parent does not try to correct • Refusal of recommended services without good reason. Neglected children may suffer from malnutrition and poor overall health. Self-esteem may also suffer. Children who lack supervision may be injured or killed in falls, fires, etc. Neglected child may have a poor self-image, which may lead to abuse of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs. Sever emotional neglect can affect development and may even cause death in infants. Children may become withdrawn or disruptive and may not develop basic skills. They may drop out of school. Some possible results:

4. Learn the common signs of neglect. A parent can’t meet a child’s every need all the time. But signs of continuing neglect are cause for concern. Be aware of: • Extreme behavior • An “uncared-for” appearance • Lack of supervision • A need for health care

5. Why do some parents neglect children? Many factors can affect a parent’s ability to provide needed care. For example: • Personal problems • Financial problems • Limited parenting skills • Drug/alcohol abuse No matter what the cause, there’s no excuse for child neglect.

6. Report neglect,and you may save a child’s life. • Consider the situation • A child who remains in a neglectful household may be badly injured or even killed • Contact children’s protective services (CPS) • You have a moral responsibility.

7. Help for parents is available. Being a parent is a big job. Don’t be afraid to ask for help – or to suggest it to a friend who’s under stress. • Talk with someone • Share your feelings with a friend, relative, religious leader, or counselor. • Contact local agencies. • Look in the yellow pages or community services section of your phone book under “Social Services Organizations” or under key words like “Family”, “Parent”, and “Child.” • Call a national group • The Childhelp USA National Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-4A-Child (1-800-422-4453)

8. A happy child is a healthy child! Your loving care can make a big difference in a child’s life!