Prepared By: Tiffany Cantwell, Lisa Ryan, and Cheryl Collins Neglect Prepared By: Tiffany Cantwell, Lisa Ryan, and Cheryl Collins

Myths About Neglect It is only abuse if it is violent. Only bad people abuse their children. Child abuse doesn’t happen in “good” families. Most child abusers are strangers. Abused children always grow up to be abusers.

What is Neglect? Child neglect is defined as: a pattern of failing to provide for a child’s basic needs, whether it be adequate food, clothing, hygiene or supervision. Child neglect is difficult to define, seeing as it encompasses many different types of neglect and abusive behaviours. It can be emotional or physical, such as not giving a child enough to eat, or clothes to wear, or brushing their teeth.

Jordan Heikamp http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ov sboXrS2n0

Risk Chart

Signs and Symptoms of Neglect When a child is neglected, there may or may not be signs that the child shows, not every child who is neglected will have the same indicators, which is why it can be so hard to prove neglect. Here are a few warning signs that a child may be neglected: Poor personal hygiene such as unwashed body, unkempt hair or body odor. Clothes inappropriate for weather, too small, or unclean. Untreated sickness and/or physical injuries. Missing school or frequently late. Beg or steals food, as well as consistently going to breakfast and lunch programs. May state that there isn’t anyone that cares for them at home.

Signs and Symptoms

Signs and Symptoms of Neglect Sometimes it isn’t the child that shows symptoms of neglect, but the parent. These signs include, but are not limited to: Doesn’t show any affection towards the child. Depressed or unconcerned with surroundings. Behaves irrationally or unusually. Abuses drugs or alcohol.

Signs and Symptoms of Neglect Neglect seems to be a gateway into other types of child abuse. Neglect is rarely seen on its own. Some of the types of abuse that can stem from neglect are: Emotional Abuse: it involves words, actions and indifference. Abusers constantly reject, ignore, belittle, dominate, and criticize the victims. Signs can be impaired psychological growth and devlopment. Physical Abuse: is injure inflicted upon a child due to physical aggression. Signs of this type of abuse can include unusual bruising, and bullying other children. Sexual Abuse: sexual abuse of a child is inappropriately exposing or subjecting the child to sexual contact, activity or behaviour. Signs of this type of abuse can include inappropriate playing and unstable emotions.

Signs and Symptoms of Neglect

At Risk Tree for Neglect

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Prevention Preventing child neglect is a difficult thing to do, as many people don’t realize they are neglecting their children. However some of the ways in which communities are trying to prevent child neglect are: Public Awareness: making people aware of the signs and symptoms of child neglect and informing them what to do in the event they find a child being neglected. Skills-Based Curriculum: this will teach children how to recognize neglect and other types of abuse and teaches them safety and protection skills. Parent Education: teaches parents positive behaviour and skills, and how to recognize the needs of their child in order to decrease neglectful behaviours. Parent Support Groups: helps to give parents more support when raising children, and builds social networks. Home Visitations: helps pregnant parents prepare for their new children, and helps families with new born or young children positive parenting and child development. Respite and Crisis Care Programs: provides short term care for children to provide caregivers a break from stressful situations. Family Resource Centers: works with individuals from a community to develop a variety of services that will be most useful for those within that community.

When to Report A person is liable to report child neglect or abuse whenever it is suspected. If someone thinks that a child isn't being cared for they need to contact their local children's aid society. Anyone is obligated to report neglect or abuse toward a child no matter what the persons social standing is. Under the Child and Family Services Act there is no leeway when it comes to withholding information on a suspected child abuse case. Obligations and stipulations apply when: A child is, or looks 16 or under, or if a child is up to age 17 when a child is already in a foster home. Even if someone else has reported neglect in a home, you are still obligated to report it yourself. If a parent isn't supervising, protecting or caring for a child. A parent is neglecting to bring a child to see a doctor or health care professional when notified to do so. A child is abandoned and has no one to care for them. It is confidential when you make a report and you will not be charged for doing so unless you have some connection with the welfare of the child. Your childrens aid society is open 24/7. Visit: www.serviceontario.ca/publications to make a report.

Who to Report Neglect to? Stop It Now Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN) Chiworld.org Kids Help Phone FACS The office of the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth Shelters: Bethlehem Project of Niagara Canadian Mental Health Association - Niagara Branch Gillian’s Place/Women’s Place Salvation Army St. Catharines YWCA Start me up Niagara The Raft Project SHARE

Intervention In order for intervention to succeed, the child must be removed from the harmful environment. Treatment strategies can include: Cognitive-behavioural therapy Gradual exposure to aspects of the abusive experience Relaxation training Education regarding abuse process and effects of abuse Skills training Supportive strategies Teaching self-protective strategies Behavioural strategies/parental training Family involved in treatment

Intervention Obstacles to intervention can include: Family obstacles: Lack of acknowledgement by offender/non-offending caregiver Lack of motivation to participate in treatment Child obstacles Fear and anxiety related to thinking or talking about the abuse Mistrust of others as a result of the abuse System obstacles Lengthy investigation/prosecution process, delays for court process Lack of coordination between criminal justice, child welfare, and treatment systems