According to Kadlec (2014) the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services states that 80% of all child abuse cases involves neglect

According to Kadlec (2014) the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services states that 80% of all child abuse cases involves neglect. Neglect refers to the failure by the caregiver to provide the essential needs of a child. These needs involve physical, emotional, medical, and education. School age children 5 years old – 11 years old have the greatest incidents.
Physical neglect encounters the greatest form of neglect. It refers to the failure of providing the child with the basis needs such as food, clothing, and shelter. This type of neglect can also involve the abandonment of a child, or leaving the child unattended or unsupervised. Physical signs that can be seen are the inadequate dressed for the weather, clothing that is either to big or too small, poor hygiene, unattended medical or dental issues, report of being extremely hungry and begging for food, the report of caring for their siblings, and the report of being left alone. It is sadly to say that the cases of neglect are often over looked at and often go unreported. I can see how it can go without reporting. This can be due to poor social economic status of cultures, such as the Hispanic culture. People often feel that they are doing the best that they can with the little that they have. It is the nurses responsibility to keep a close eye out for signs of neglect and any other signs of abuse. Nurses are mandated reporters. If neglect or any other kind of abuse is suspected, it must be reported to the local authorities, child protected services, and immediate supervisor.
Since neglect account for the greatest form of child abuse, we all need to be in look out. We need to report these cases even if we suspect it. Even if we know that the caregiver might be encountering hardships or doing the best that they can, we need to report it. This could be a form of providing help and saving lives. Agencies at times can offer these families greater support and outreach centers.
Reference
Kadlec, G. (2014). The Most Common Form of Child Abuse. Retrieved from http://www.bekidshero.com/posts/the-most-common-form-of-child-abuse/