Neglect is characterized by which of the following?

• A. Neglect involves mistreatment and not caring for the child
• B. Abandonment means leaving the child without proper care
• C. Neglect means mistreatment; Abandonment means leaving your child without proper care
• D. Abandonment and neglect are the same thing

Answer: (A)

Neglect means failing to meet a child’s basic needs and to provide appropriate care and supervision. The statement that neglect involves mistreatment and not caring for the child best captures this idea because it centers on the essential failure to care for and look after the child’s well-being. Abandonment, by contrast, describes leaving a child without proper care, which is related but distinct. Saying neglect and abandonment are the same is inaccurate, and mixing them can blur the differences between failing to provide ongoing care and physically leaving a child. So, this option best reflects what neglect is.