General Warning Signs for Child Neglect
| Lack of medical or dental care |
| Lack of personal care or hygiene (eg, unbathed, matted and unwashed hair, lice or scabies, or noticeable body odor) |
| Clothes are ill-fitting, filthy, or inappropriate for the weather |
| Missing key pieces of clothing (eg, underwear, socks, shoes) |
| Poor school attendance or frequent tardiness |
| Lack of supervision (eg, young children left unattended or with other children too young to protect or care for them or being left alone or allowed to play in unsafe situations and environments) |
| Lack of proper nutrition |
| Lack of adequate shelter |
| Lack of primary medical care, dental care, or immunizations as well as untreated illnesses or injuries |
| Self-destructive feelings or behavior |
Adapted from www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/departments/dcf/child-abuse-neglect/warning-signs.html. The list presents some general warning signs but is not comprehensive. The criteria for abuse and neglect may vary by region or state. Pediatricians should check their state and local laws for more detailed information.