Mercer County Children's Advocacy Center

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Mercer County Children's Advocacy Center
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    • What is Child Abuse and Neglect?
      • Effects of Child Abuse and Neglect
      • Myths and Facts About Child Abuse and Neglect
      • Recognize the Signs of Abuse and Neglect
    • What is Child Neglect?
      • Preventing Neglect
      • Recognize the Signs of Neglect and Emotional Maltreatment
      • Reporting Neglect
      • Responding to Neglect
    • What is Child Physical Abuse?
      • Preventing Physical Abuse
      • Recognize the Signs of Physical Abuse
      • Reporting Physical Abuse
      • Responding to Physical Abuse
    • What is Child Sexual Abuse?
      • Preventing Sexual Abuse
      • Recognize the Signs of Sexual Abuse
      • Reporting Sexual Abuse
      • Responding to Sexual Abuse
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Recognize the Signs of Neglect and Emotional Maltreatment

Homepage Recognize the Signs of Neglect and Emotional Maltreatment

The first step in helping abused or neglected children is learning to recognize the signs of child abuse and neglect.  The presence of a single sign does not mean that child maltreatment is occurring in a family, but a closer look at the situation may be warranted whenChild-Neglect-Loretto-jail these signs appear repeatedly on in combination.

The following signs may signal the presence of neglect.

The Child:
  • Is frequently absent from school
  • Begs or steals food or money
  • Lacks needed medical or dental care, immunizations or glasses
  • Is consistently dirty and has severe body odor
  • Lacks sufficient clothing for the weather
  • Abuses alcohol or other drugs
  • States that there is no one at home to provide care
The Parent or other adult Caregiver:
  • Appears to be indifferent to the child
  • Seems apathetic or depressed
  • Behaves irrationally or in a bizarre manner
  • Is abusing alcohol or other drugs

The above list may not be all the signs of neglect.  It is important to pay attention to other behaviors that may seem unusual or concerning.

ChildAbusedCrying

The following signs may signal the presence of Emotional Maltreatment

The Child:
  • Shows extremes in behavior, such as overly compliant or demanding behavior, extreme passivity or aggression
  • Is either inappropriately adult or inappropriately infantile
  • Is delayed in physical or emotional development
  • Has attempted suicide
  • Reports a lack of attachment to the parent
The Parent or other adult Caregiver:
  • Constantly blames, belittles or berates the child
  • Is unconcerned about the child and refuses to consider offers of help for the child’s problems
  • Overtly rejects the child

Sometimes cultural values, the standards of care in the cCSPN_v18n1.inddommunity and poverty may contribute to maltreatment, indicating the family is in need of information or assistance.  When a family fails to use information and resources, and the child’s health or safety is at risk, then child welfare intervention may be required.

  • For Families and Children
    • What is Child Abuse and Neglect?
    • What is Child Neglect?
    • What is Child Physical Abuse?
    • What is Child Sexual Abuse?
    • Keeping your Child Safe

Childline

Reporting Child Abuse
Call 800-932-0313
(TDD: 866-872-1677)

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