3.2
We Care...
by knowing the types and signs of child abuse and neglect
Serious Physical Neglect
Defined by PA law as: A physical condition caused by the act or failure to act* which endangers the child's life or development or impairs the child’s functioning and is the result of one of the following:
- Prolonged or repeated lack of supervision
- Failure to provide essentials of life, including adequate medical and dental care.
*Does not need to be recent to be required to report.
Serious physical neglect often stems from situations that have gone unaddressed over a period of
time. According to the 2010 Child Abuse Report, the following types of injuries were categorized as
serious physical neglect: failure to thrive; lack of supervision; malnutrition; medical neglect;
other. (
PA Department of Public Welfare, 2010)
Signs of Physical Neglect
- Inadequate weight gain and physical growth over an extended period of time (failure to thrive)
- Delays in physical development
- Persistent hunger
- Lack of hygiene/personal care/severe body odor
- Consistently soiled clothing
- Consistent lack of supervision
- Untreated physical problems or medical conditions
- Deprivation of food, water, heat, shelter
What it could look like:
EMS is dispatched to a residence for a 55-year-old female with a chief complaint of chest pain. When they arrive, the residence is without power, heat, or running water. Several small children appear to be living in the residence with their guardian, and the forecast is calling for bitter cold temperatures. Several small children appear to be living in the residence with their guardian, along with several cats and dogs. Animal feces and insects are present throughout the residence.