What is included in neglect?

• A. Only failure to provide medical care.
• B. Only lack of shelter.
• C. Negligent treatment, maltreatment, or failure to provide adequate clothing, food, medical care, shelter, or supervision.
• D. Only emotional neglect.

Answer: (C)

Neglect means failing to meet a child’s basic needs or providing inadequate care. It isn’t limited to one issue but can involve negligent treatment, maltreatment, or a failure to provide essentials such as clothing, food, medical care, shelter, or supervision. A caregiver can neglect by not seeking necessary medical care, by not providing adequate food or shelter, or by leaving a child unsupervised when safety requires supervision. Emotional neglect fits under the broader umbrella of maltreatment, but the full concept of neglect covers multiple areas of basic needs and safety, not just a single one.