Child Neglect

Society is still in denial about the fact that disabled children are more likely to be abused than non-disabled children (Osborne, 2011). Neglect is known to be the most common form of maltreatment. Neglect can have substantial and long term effects on children’s physical and mental health and cognitive development (Dubowitz, 2013). The National Adult Protective Services Association defines neglect as a form of mistreatment by individuals resulting from inadequate attention, especially through carelessness or disregard for the needs of others. Commonly Reported types of neglect are physical neglect, emotional neglect, financial neglect, abandonment and self-neglect (Child Neglect, 2013). Neglect could affect children of all ages. It can potentially affect infants, toddlers, preschool aged & middle aged children. However, research has shown that it is more common in children with physical disabilities. Neglect can possibly affect a child’s development extremely. The abuse of children can
Studies show that rates of abuse among children with disabilities are variable, ranging from a low of 22 percent to a high of 70 percent (National Research Council, 2001). Children with physical disabilities make up a large percentage. The rates of child maltreatment had been found to be high with both the child population in general, as well as children who are physically disabled: blind, death, chronically ill or developmentally delayed (AMC, 2001).Some reasons why physically disabled children are more likely to be neglected more often than others could be because of the extra time, assistance, supervision and caregiving that the parents, nurses or teachers must provide for that child. In addition, physical disabilities could affect the child from properly reporting to maltreatment to