How Do I Report Child Neglect in South Africa

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How Do I Report Child Neglect in South Africa?

What is called child neglect?

Child neglect is a type of child abuse in which caretakers, such as parents, fail to provide essentials such as food, housing, clothes, medical care, and supervision.

What exactly is the distinction between child neglect and child abuse?

Child neglect is defined as failing to meet a child’s basic physical and emotional needs, whereas child abuse is defined as hurting a child in a physical, emotional, or sexual manner

What are the types of child neglect?

1. Physical Neglect

2. Medical Neglect

3. Educational Neglect

4. Emotional Neglect

What are the signs of child neglect?

1. Poor appearance and hygiene

2. Health problems like anaemia. …

3. Change in behaviour. For instance, being clingy or aggressive.

4. Developmental delay

5. Stealing or hoarding food

6. Attention Problems/Hyperactivity

How does neglect affect a child?

According to research, neglect alters early children’s cognitive and executive functions, stress response systems, and brain structures.

Is child neglect a criminal Offence in South Africa?

Child neglect a criminal Offence in South Africa. Section 28 of the Bill of Rights, specifically, it states, “every child has the right to be protected from maltreatment, neglect, abuse and degradation”.