Practical Ways for Parents to Support Children Who Have Experienced Neglect

Child neglect happens when a child’s basic needs (food, shelter, medical care, supervision, or emotional support) aren’t met. Unlike active abuse, neglect often means something is missing rather than something harmful being done. Severe neglect can have long-term effects on a child’s life and development. Trauma-informed parenting focuses on ways for parents to support children who have experienced neglect, helping them feel safe, cared for, and understood.

Child maltreatment is a broad term that includes neglect, physical abuse, emotional abuse, educational neglect, and child sexual abuse. Neglect and abuse are different, but they often overlap. For example, emotional neglect can happen alongside emotional abuse, which can affect a child’s emotional functioning and growth.

Recognizing Signs of Child Neglect and Child Abuse

Children who experience abuse or neglect may show physical, behavioral, or emotional signs. Neglect and abuse can often occur at the same time.

Physical neglect may show as poor hygiene, malnutrition, untreated medical or dental issues, or clothing that isn’t right for the weather. Behavioral signs can include withdrawal, aggression, difficulty trusting adults, or problems at school.

Abuse might look like bruises, burns, or fear of a certain adult. Severe neglect may cause developmental delays, repeated school absences, or unmet basic needs. Being aware of these signs helps parents and caregivers respond properly.

What to Do When You Suspect Neglect

• Ensure the child is safe from immediate harm. If the child is in danger, remove them from the situation if possible and contact emergency services. Safety is the priority.
• Document your observations. Record dates, times, behaviors, physical signs, and any concerning statements. Clear documentation helps social workers and human services understand the situation and act appropriately.
• Report to the proper authorities. Contact your local child welfare agency to report suspected neglect. Reporting in good faith is legally protected and helps professionals intervene.
• Seek medical attention if needed. Address injuries, malnutrition, untreated illness, or other health concerns. A healthcare professional can evaluate the child, provide treatment, and document evidence for authorities.
• Keep supporting the child. Even while authorities are involved, offer reassurance, calm communication, and predictable routines to help the child feel safe and supported.

Reporting, Legal Steps, and Mandatory Reporting

Parents and caregivers must understand mandatory reporting obligations:

• Document and report suspected abuse or neglect to the correct authorities.
• Preserve evidence such as photos, medical records, or notes.
• Consult legal counsel when filing custody or protective orders.

Following proper reporting procedures helps keep children safe and ensures human services can intervene appropriately.

READ MORE: A Guide to Emergency Foster Placement

How Parents Can Support Children After Facing Neglect

Trauma-informed parenting focuses on safety, trust, and predictability. Parents can begin by:

• Creating predictable routines. Children who have experienced neglect often feel unsafe due to inconsistent environments. Daily routines for meals, schoolwork, and bedtime provide structure and security.
• Providing safe, calm spaces. Areas for play, study, and rest help children feel protected and give them a sense of stability in their home environment.
• Using calm, reassuring communication. Gentle, patient language helps rebuild trust and shows the child that adults can be relied upon for safety and support.
• Validating the child’s feelings. Acknowledge and name their emotions to help the child feel understood and strengthen the parent-child relationship, which is key for recovery from emotional neglect.

Schools and community programs are crucial partners in this process:

• Notify counselors of any safety concerns or trauma exposure.
• Request accommodations or additional supports when needed.
• Connect with afterschool programs, mentors, or family services to foster social and academic growth.

Helping Children at Different Ages

Children respond differently to neglect or trauma depending on their age, so support should be tailored to their developmental stage.

• Younger children (0–5): These children rely on predictable routines and consistent responses from caregivers. Providing soothing touch, gentle reassurance, and clear daily schedules helps them feel safe. Playtime and one-on-one attention are critical for building trust and emotional security.
• School-age children (6–12): Children in this age range benefit from age-appropriate explanations about safety and boundaries. Encourage them to express their feelings through play, art, journaling, or talking. Maintaining structured routines and consistent rules supports both their emotional and academic development.
• Adolescents: Teenagers need a balance of independence and support. Respect their autonomy while keeping consistent boundaries and structure. Encourage healthy peer relationships and maintain open communication about their emotions, mental health, and challenges. This approach helps them feel supported while learning to navigate complex social and emotional situations.

Therapies and Professional Help

Professional support is often essential for children impacted by child abuse and neglect. Mental health professionals can provide trauma-informed parenting techniques tailored to the child’s age and experiences. Younger children may benefit from play-based therapy to safely express feelings, while family therapy can help rebuild trust and improve relationships. Monitoring progress ensures that support is effective and allows caregivers to reinforce positive outcomes at home.

Responding to Child Sexual Abuse

If a child talks about sexual abuse, caregivers should keep these things in mind:

• Stay calm and listen. Let the child speak freely, show understanding, and take them seriously.
• Reassure the child. Tell them they are not to blame and did the right thing by telling.
• Report immediately. Contact child protection services for family abuse or police for outside abuse.
• Seek medical care. Address injuries, document evidence safely, and reassure the child.
• Provide professional support. Connect the child with a trauma-informed mental health professional or child psychiatrist.
• Adults are always responsible. Never blame the child, even if the abuser claims consent.

Creating Protective Factors

Protective factors are conditions that help guard against negative outcomes after abuse or neglect. Parents can promote these by making caregiving routines predictable, practicing warm, responsive interactions with their children, and ensuring the child’s basic needs are met consistently.

Research from the CDCon risk and protective factors shows that children who grow up in families with strong relationships, effective parenting skills, and emotional support are less likely to experience harm and more likely to thrive long term.

Monitoring Recovery and Adjusting Support Plans

Recovery from traumatic experiences requires ongoing assessment and careful trauma informed parenting:

• Set measurable goals for the child’s emotional support and overall well-being.
• Review progress monthly and adjust routines as needed.
• Document changes to track outcomes and refine parenting skills.

Consistent monitoring ensures the child continues to heal and thrive.

Resources to Keep Handy

If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, call 911 for life-threatening emergencies!

Otherwise, find counseling, advice, and more using these resources:

National Child Abuse Hotline (call or text!): 1‑800‑422‑4453 (1-800-4-A-CHILD)
Confidential crisis counseling, intervention, info, and referrals.

2-1-1 or visit 211.org
Connects you confidentially with local resources for housing, food, mental health, healthcare, and more.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children: Info on reporting sexual exploitation of a child through the internet. They can help you get in touch with authorities.

State-Specific Numbers: Find out where to call to report abuse or neglect using this tool.

Child Welfare Information Gateway: A guide for parenting children after abuse or neglect

CDC Child Abuse Prevention: Guidance on protective factors and safe parenting

Extend Support to Children in Foster Care

Helping children thrive after difficult experiences takes care, consistency, and community support. You are the community they need.

Foster Love provides practical ways for families, volunteers, and communities to make a direct, positive impact in the lives of children in foster care. From shopping sprees that give kids new clothes and essentials to helping siblings stay connected or celebrating birthdays, your involvement brings comfort, confidence, and joy.

With us, you can:

• Join service activities that make a real difference for foster children.

• Provide experiences that help children feel seen, valued, and supported.

  

• Create moments of fun and stability that build lasting memories and confidence.

Even small actions—donating, volunteering, or sharing resources—help children feel cared for and supported beyond the home.

Get involved with Foster Love!