Child neglect in the context of "Violence against children"

Child abuse (also called child endangerment or child maltreatment) is physical, sexual, emotional and/or psychological maltreatment or neglect of a child, especially by a parent or a caregiver. Child abuse may include any act or failure to act by a parent or a caregiver that results in actual or potential wrongful harm to a child and can occur in a child's home, or in organizations, schools, or communities the child interacts with.

Different jurisdictions have different requirements for mandatory reporting and have developed different definitions of what constitutes child abuse, and therefore have different criteria to remove children from their families or to prosecute a criminal charge.

Child Protective Services (CPS) refers to government agencies in the United States that investigate allegations of child abuse or neglect, and if confirmed, intervene by providing services to the family through a safety plan, in-home monitoring, supervision, or if a safety plan is not feasible or in emergencies, removing the child from the custody of their parent or legal guardian.

Some areas use other names, often attempting to reflect more family-centered (as opposed to child-centered) practices, such as "Department of Children and Family Services" (DCFS). CPS is also sometimes known by the name "Department of Social Services" (DSS or simply Social Services), though these terms more often have a broader meaning. However, their function remains the same.

Scurvy or scorbutus is a deficiency disease (state of malnutrition) resulting from a lack of vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Early symptoms of deficiency include weakness, fatigue, and sore arms and legs. Without treatment, decreased red blood cells, gum disease, changes to hair, and bleeding from the skin may occur. As scurvy worsens, there can be poor wound healing, personality changes, and finally death from infection or bleeding.

It takes at least a month of little to no vitamin C in the diet before symptoms occur. In modern times, scurvy occurs most commonly in neglected children, people with mental disorders, unusual eating habits, alcoholism, and older people who live alone. Other risk factors include intestinal malabsorption and dialysis.

Childhood trauma is often described as serious adverse childhood experiences. Children may go through a range of experiences that classify as psychological trauma; these might include neglect, abandonment, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and physical abuse. They may also witness abuse of a sibling or parent, or have a mentally ill parent. Childhood trauma has been correlated with later negative effects on health and psychological wellbeing. However, resilience is also a common outcome; many children who experience adverse childhood experiences do not develop mental or physical health problems.