ABSTRACT
Child neglect is an overlooked area of child welfare practice. The consequences of neglect to children are at least as serious as the consequences of abuse. Nevertheless, the focus of those working in the field of child maltreatment has been on abuse, to the neglect of neglected children and their families. The strong association between neglect and poverty and the lack of societal will to address issues associated with poverty create difficulties in terms of effective policy and practice in regard to families who neglect their children. It is as if “no one cares,” neither the parents of neglected children, nor the society in which they live. It is time to refocus on the issues of child neglect in families, both to assist in healing these families and as a vehicle for implementing structural changes that will benefit all families. This book will examine research, social policy, and practice with respect to neglectful families. It presents and critically analyzes major definitional, theoretical, policy, and treatment issues associated with families who neglect their children. Research, policy, and practice implications associated with these issues are included. Separate chapters regarding the relationship between neglectful families and culture, substance abuse, and poverty are also included; as is a final chapter stating conclusions and future directions.
