Child neglect is characterized by failure to provide for the child’s basic needs. Neglect can be physical, educational, or emotional. A child of any age, sex, race, religion, and socioeconomic background can fall victim to child neglect. A large number of neglected children are never reported to the authorities who can help them and their families. When are you justified in reporting your in-laws to child protective services for child neglect? It’s important to realize that child neglect is rarely stopped without intervention. The U.S. Advisory Board reported that near-fatal abuse and neglect each year leaves “18,000 permanently disabled children, tens of thousands of victims overwhelmed by lifelong psychological trauma, thousands of traumatized siblings and family members, and thousands of near-death survivors who, as adults, continue to bear the physical and psychological scars. Some may turn to crime or domestic violence or become abusers themselves.” Most horrifying of all, most children continued to live with their abusers. Nearly nine out of every ten perpetrators of child maltreatment investigated are either the child’s parent or other relative. Only five percent of all children reported for maltreatment were removed from their homes. Consider the following recommendations: For additional information, you can contact: Child Welfare League of America 440 First Street, NW Suite 310 Washington, DC 20001-2085 (202) 638-2952
