Identifying Child Neglect

• Lack of supervision
This includes leaving children at home alone before they are capable of caring for themselves, as well as, a child playing outside by themselves before they are able to watch over themselves.
• Dirty house
Looks at, is the home unsafe, not whether it is unsanitary. Consider the age and developmental level of the child to determine safety.
• Abandonment
The law on abandonment states there is no one “willing or able” to care for the child. This includes classic abandonment, as well as, a child being left with a caregiver who is no longer willing to care for the child. Example, a child who is left with a babysitter for “a few hours” and the parents have not returned two days later and the sitter can no longer care for the child due to work, school etc.
• Child not dressed appropriately for the weather
A child who is seen outside playing in only a diaper when everyone has on a jacket. A child who is out in the sun all day without appropriate cover or sun screen.
• Parent not willing/able to provide food and/or shelter
Homelessness is not a crime or a specific Child Protective Services issue. However, a parent must be able to provide their child with the essentials of life which include food and shelter.