Child Neglect

Child neglect is a crime. Here’s what you  need to know. 

Physical Neglect:

Physical neglect is the failure to provide:
•	Food – a balanced diet
•	Shelter – a clean and safe home
•	Clothing
•	Health Care– regular medical and dental care
•	Protection – adequate supervision at all times
Signs of physical neglect:
•	Failure to thrive physically
•	Unkempt appearance
•	Untreated speech disorders
•	Consistent hunger
•	Poor hygiene
•	Abandonment

What is Child Neglect?
Child neglect is the failure - intentional or unintentional - of a parent or guardian to meet a child’s basic needs.

There are three main forms of child neglect: physical, emotional, and educational.

Emotional Neglect:

Emotional neglect is the failure to provide:
•	Consistent love and nurturing
•	Encouragement
•	Comfort
•	Protection from an abusive person

Signs of emotional neglect:
•	Drug or alcohol use by the child
•	Lack of parental concern for the safety  and supervision of the child
•	Low self-esteem and low confidence

Educational Neglect: 

Educational neglect is the failure to: 
•	Enroll children in school 
•	Ensure that they attend classes       regularly 
•	Address special education needs

Indicators of educational neglect:
•	Failure to attend school regularly
•	Lack of books, uniforms, supplies, lunches etc.
•	Failure of child to progress  intellectually

Behaviours Associated With Neglect: 

•	Not wanting to go home from school
•	Frequent absence from school
•	Consistent fatigue, listlessness
•	Falling asleep in class
•	Running away
•	Sucking thumb
•	Sleep disorders
•	Hysteria, obsession
•	Passive-aggressive behavior
•	Anti-social and destructive behaviours
•	Attempted suicide
•	Alcohol and drug abuse
•	Isolation
•	Depression
•	Promiscuity

Why does Child Neglect Occur?

Parents are more likely to neglect their children if:
•	They were neglected as children
•	They are isolated with little or no support
•	They abuse drugs or alcohol
•	 They are experiencing stress due to marital problems, unemployment, or ill-health
•	Financial stress

What Can I Do About Neglect?

If you know or suspect that a child is being neglected please report it to your nearest 
Probation and Welfare Department. Or call Help and Shelter at 73454.

Our Phone number: 02-73454
When you can call: 24 hours/day, 7 days/week
Who will talk with you: A trained counselor

All information is confidential

•	Counselling for all forms of abuse
•	Support through the court experience for victims of rape and child sexual abuse
•	Consciousness raising for the        community
•	Training of new volunteers
•	School talks to educate young people about violence

Services Offered by Help and Shelter

If you experience any of the following, please contact Help & and Shelter for help

•	You feel lonely and isolated with no one to turn to
•	You feel nervous and unable to cope
•	You feel you have no control
•	You feel that you are not a good parent
•	You are depressed
•	Your problems seem overwhelming 
•	You’re afraid of what you might do to your child
•	You sometimes hurt your child
•	You experience sexual feelings toward your child
•	You suspect your child or another child may be experiencing abuse

If you want more information about child neglect, please look at some of our other brochures or contact Help & Shelter.

August, 2000

c/o Ministry of Housing Annexe
Bottom Flat
Homestretch Avenue
Durban Park
Georgetown

Phone: 02-73454, 02-54731, 02-78353
Email: hands@sdnp.org.gy
Website: http://www.sdnp.org.gy/hands

Acknowledgements:
The Crisis Centre
Knowles House 
Princess Margaret Hospital
Bahamas