- 1). Explain, in clear terms, what neglect is. Read the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System statement on neglect, which defines it as, "a type of maltreatment that refers to the failure by the caregiver to provide needed, age-appropriate care although financially able to do so or offered financial or other means to do so." Divide the definition in sections, explaining each part as you go, such as describing "age-appropriate care" by the needs of the children in your class, like setting rules, establishing discipline, playing with the child or showing the child affection. Make sure each students understands the definition and is clear on each phrase.
- 2). Describe the four different types of neglect, which can occur to a child, such as physical neglect, educational neglect, emotional neglect or medical neglect. Demonstrate each type of neglect with clear examples, explaining how each example represents neglect. As an example, you can explain that physical neglect occurs when a parent refuses to give children things such as clothes, housing or food. Explain that this is a form of neglect because a child is incapable of meeting these needs on her own and requires these essentials from her parents.
- 3). Explain the harmful effects of long-term neglect, such as inappropriate or unclean clothing, poor hygiene, frequent illness or frequently absent from school. Remind the children that these signs suggest neglect, but they are not absolute proof of neglect. For instance, a child can be frequently ill because a parent refuses to get him the medical care he needs, or he could just have a chronic condition. Make the suggestion, if a child witnesses these signs, for the child to speak to the kid who shows these signs and ask him if he is having problems at home.
- 4). Suggest methods that children can use to address and overcome neglect and to prepare them to face it in their lives. Explain that if they see these signs in a fellow classmate, they can speak to the child and see if there is a problem. If this is unsuccessful, explain how they can approach a teacher or faculty member to discuss their concerns about the classmate. Suggest the children approach a teacher or faculty member if they believe they are victims of neglect and stress the importance of honesty in these meetings.
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