What type of abuse is described as the failure to provide necessary care for a minor?

Neglect is defined as the failure to provide necessary care, supervision, or support for a minor. This can involve not meeting a child's basic needs, such as food, shelter, clothing, education, and medical care. In cases of neglect, the focus is on the caregiver's lack of action or failure to fulfill their responsibilities toward the child's well-being. It is critical to recognize that neglect doesn't involve physical harm or mistreatment but rather a lack of the essential care and nurturing that enables a child's healthy development.

Understanding neglect is essential for recognizing how it can have profound long-term effects on a child's physical and emotional health. Unlike other forms of abuse, such as physical abuse, emotional maltreatment, or sexual abuse, neglect is often overlooked because it may not present immediate visible signs of harm.