Neglect accounts for over three-quarters of confirmed cases of child maltreatment in the United States—far more than physical or sexual abuse (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [HHS], Administration for Children and Families [ACF], Children’s Bureau [CB], 2017c). It continues, however, to receive less attention from practitioners, researchers, and the media. Some reasons may be that neglect is not well understood and is difficult to identify, prevent, and treat effectively.
This bulletin for professionals addresses the scope of the problem of child neglect, its consequences, and the importance of prevention. It provides definitions and strategies for assessing neglect, presents an overview of prevention and intervention, and suggests sources of training and informational support.
