This working paper from the National Scientific Council on the Developing Child examines child neglect and its impacts. The paper offers a brief description of neglect, defined in the research context as " the absence of sufficient attention, responsiveness, and protection that are appropriate to the age and needs of a child." The paper goes on to differentiate four different types of neglect, or unresponsive care: (1) occasional inattention, (2) chronic under-stimulation, (3) severe neglect in a family context, (4) severe neglect in an institutional setting. The paper also highlights the impacts of negelct on a child's development, incluing physical, emotional, cognitive, and social development. The paper further discusses the "Science-Policy Gap" and implications for policy and programs. The paper concludes with examples of some promising intervention models in the US.
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