Chronic Child Neglect: Needed Developments in Theory and Practice

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to stimulate reflection and discussion on a subject that has received surprisingly little coverage: chronic child neglect. The article selectively reviews the literature and offers fresh observations and critical reflections pertaining to both causation and intervention. Chronic child neglect must, it is argued, be understood in greater depth and complexity in order to develop more effective interventions. In particular, a better understanding of the effects of long term, severe and concentrated poverty on parent's morale is needed to support interventions capable of infusing hope and bringing about a social world in which hope can thrive.