Definition of Neglect, Essay Example

I cannot contend that my definition of neglect is better but I will define child neglect as   “an act or omission to act that put a child’s well-being in danger, thus, actions or inactions that hinder a child’s physical, psychological, and cognitive development other than a reason of inability to cater for the child due to health and financial problems.” My definition is concise and general and I do not believe in some cultural or environmental definitions of child neglect because as long as there is harm to the child then there is neglect. Also neglect in any setting or environment still have a negative impact on the child, thus, some culture will have an age limit of 16 years while others will have age limit of 18 years to constitute child neglect. I contend that there should be a variation on the age factor because child with disability (Leukemia) will always be a child no matter how old he or she is and my assertion is substantial as I have a friend who have 26 year old son with leukemia, he always act like 2 year old child. So hopefully my definition will be considered to be the better one as the discussion post outlined.

Under “Case A” Josh leaving his eight-month old daughter to his eight years old daughter for cigarettes constitute an abuse under “supervisory neglect”, and “physical abandonment.” First of all, 8 year old child lacks the capacity and ability to cater for a baby when he or she need something, also when a baby cries, an 8 year old child cannot comfort him or her, more to the point something unanticipated could have happened in the house that could have put both children’s safety in danger. So Josh leaving the baby with his daughter was an act of negligence as well, and he has nothing to justify his actions as cigarettes cannot substantiate him leaving a new born baby with a young child who should also be under supervision. Although “Case A” didn’t elaborate whether Josh eight years old baby was matured enough to be by herself as well, she could have been a child who also need constant supervision, and if so that makes it a double jeopardy for physically abandoning two children for cigarettes.

Reference

Bonner, B. (n.d). What is neglect? In Williams, L. (2013). Responding to Child Maltreatment: Week 5 notes.

Massachusetts Department of Social Services Regs. (110 CMR, section 2.00) (n.d). In Williams, L. (2013). Responding to Child Maltreatment. Week 5 notes.

NCANDS (2012). In Williams, L. (2013). Responding to Child Maltreatment: Week 5 notes.

Williams, L. (2013). Responding to Child Maltreatment: Week 5 notes.