title: Childhood neglect: The role of the paediatrician.
abstract: Neglect is a pervasive form of child maltreatment. Health care practitioners often struggle with deciding when an action (or lack of action) by a caregiver constitutes inadequate care and is neglectful. The present article discusses the epidemiology, risk factors and outcomes of neglect. In addition, assessment using objective markers, such as harm and potential harm, in the identification of neglect is described, and unique factors that impact assessing and addressing issues of neglect in the clinical setting are discussed. Practical strategies for intervening in cases of neglect are discussed, including how to engage families in which there are concerns for neglect, mandated reporting, working collaboratively with children's services, ongoing monitoring of families, and how health care professionals can effectively engage in neglect prevention and advocacy.
authors.affiliation: Mayerson Center for Safe and Healthy Children, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinatti, Ohio;
authors.forename: Brooks R
authors.initials: BR
authors.lastname: Keeshin
authors.affiliation: Pediatrics, University of Maryland Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, USA ; Center for Families, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA; ; Division of Child Protection, Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
authors.forename: Howard
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Dubowitz
keywords: Child maltreatment; Child neglect; Protective services