Neglect

Neglect refers to the failure to provide necessary care, supervision, or attention, resulting in harm or risk of harm to a dependent person, such as a child or elder, or to oneself. It can be intentional or unintentional and may occur in homes, institutions, or service settings. Neglect is distinct from harm caused by active abuse.

In caregiving contexts, common forms include child neglect, elder or dependent-adult neglect, and self-neglect. Causes can include caregiver stress, poverty, mental health or cognitive problems, substance use, social isolation, and lack of access to services. Signs of neglect may include poor or inconsistent supervision, malnutrition, inadequate clothing or shelter, poor hygiene, medical or dental neglect, unsafe living conditions, missed medical appointments, and emotional withdrawal. Early recognition and reporting are important for protection and care planning.

Clinically, hemispatial neglect, or unilateral neglect, is a neurological condition that can follow brain injury, especially to the right hemisphere. It results in reduced awareness of stimuli on the side opposite the injury (often the left side). It is an attentional problem rather than a primary sensory deficit and carries safety implications for daily activities.

In law and ethics, neglect is distinguished from negligence. Neglect is the act of failing to provide required care to a dependent person; negligence is a legal claim alleging failure to meet a standard of care by a caregiver or professional, causing harm. Legal responses vary by jurisdiction but commonly involve assessment, reporting, and intervention by social services or authorities.

Prevention and response focus on support for caregivers, access to resources, respite care, education, and timely reporting to protect vulnerable individuals and reduce recurrence.