child neglect

child neglect,

the failure by parents or guardians to provide for the basic human needs of a child by physical or emotional deprivation that interferes with normal growth and development or that places the child in jeopardy. Compare child abuse. See also failure to thrive, maternal deprivation syndrome.

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child,

n 1. a person of either gender between the time of birth and adolescence, or puberty.
2. in the law of negligence and in laws for the protection of children, a term used as the opposite of
adult (generally under the age of puberty) without reference to parentage and distinction of gender.

child abuse,

n the physical, sexual, or emotional maltreatment of a person under 18 years of age. Child abuse occurs predominantly with children under 3 years of age. Symptoms include bruises and contusions, medical record of repeated trauma, radiographic evidence of fractures, emotional distress, and failure to thrive.

child neglect,

n a form of child abuse in which proper care is denied or withheld.