Child maltreatment as a social problem: The neglect of neglect.

Abstract

Child maltreatment is analyzed utilizing a "social problem" framework. Although data reveal that child neglect is more prevalent and its consequences as serious as child abuse, it has received far less attention than has abuse. Historical factors and the relationship between child neglect and poverty are viewed as the major reasons for the deemphasis of neglect relative to abuse.

Compassion or rights: The case of child abuse

“…Henceforth, the meaning and legitimacy of democracy in America was linked to economic performance and the abundance of consumer goods, rather than moral achievement, (Hanson 1985: 258) It seems that specialists in compassion have become highly selective in their choice of concern, especially in the face of the high rate of poor children in the United States and overwhelming evidence on the connection of poverty with child abuse and neglect. Recent studies point to the persistent poverty among children in the USA (Duncan 1991;Pelton 1989;Segal 1991;Wolock 1984). These studies are minute in comparison with the hundreds of studies published annually in the social service journals on different kinds of child abuse and its treatment.…”

A Focus on Neglect: Comparing the Characteristics of Children and Parents in Cases of Neglect, Abuse, and Non-CAN (Child Abuse and Neglect) in Israeli Rulings on Termination of Parental Rights

“…It is only in recent years that scholars have begun to address neglect as a unique phenomenon in its own right (Dubowitz, 2007;Gershater-Molko, Lutzker, & Sherman, 2003;McSherry, 2007;Proctor & Dubowitz, 2014;Schumacher, Slep, & Heyman, 2001;Stoltenborgh et al, 2013;Stowman & Donohue, 2005). The "neglect of neglect" (Wolock & Horowitz, 1984) is often attributed to the nature of neglect as a behavioral phenomenon of omission rather than commission: Neglect occurs when there is a deficiency in appropriate parenting behavior, rather than the occurrence of inappropriate parenting behavior (English, Thompson, Graham, & Briggs, 2005;Schumacher et al, 2001). This type of construct is more difficult to identify and substantiate and, therefore, to study.…”

Desenho e Avaliação de Programas de Desenvolvimento de Competências Parentais para Pais Negligentes: Uma revisão e reflexão

“…Este tipo de mau trato pode ser consciente ou inconsciente, e decorre geralmente de falta de informação, incapacidade ou pobreza (Roig & De Paúl, 1993). A negligência surge também definida como uma falha, pontual ou permanente, na provisão de necessidades básicas às crianças (e.g., como a alimentação, higiene, vestuário, proteção e supervisão em situações perigosas, educação e cuidados médicos; Moreno, 2002), que pode dar origem a danos no seu desenvolvimento e bem-estar (Wolock & Horowitz, 1984).…”