Examines major unanswered questions about the causes, treatment, consequences, and prevention of child neglect, with recommendations for future research and policy. In particular, theory and practice need to: (1) investigate factors, such as intelligence or a relationship with a significant person, that may protect a child against neglect; (2) arrive at a concise definition of neglect that is free of bias, takes into account a child’s age and developmental status, and factors in severity and duration; (3) identify the causes and consequences of the subtypes of neglect such as second-hand smoke or inadequate protection in cars; (4) develop community-accepted standards for measuring neglect; and (5) apply rigorous scientific methods to the evaluation of the outcomes and cost-effectiveness of intervention programs. In addition, more research is needed to examine: whether and how different cultural and religious practices may justify concern about children’s well-being; the role of parental mental health; any child characteristics that might increase the likelihood of neglect; and the consequences of welfare reform. While effective interventions are likely to be expensive because they require long-term, multidisciplinary collaboration, there remains a pressing need to develop policies to help parents and communities protect and nurture their children.
