Neglect is the most common form of child maltreatment in Minnesota, accounting for over half of all cases reported as well as a significant percentage of child fatalities each year.
Though it can sometimes be confused with poverty, neglect is defined as a parent or caregiver who willfully deprives a child of basic needs when reasonably able to do so. Cases of neglect may involve withholding or ignoring a child’s need for food, clothing, shelter, medical care or appropriate supervision, and are likely to result in substantial harm.
Here are two recent examples:
The parents of four children in Red Wing were recently sentenced for confining their children – all under age 10 – in cages. They were rescued after someone called Goodhue County Health and Human Services to report “recent erratic behavior” from the mother and concerns about unreasonable punishment and neglect of her children.
The father of a 9-year-old girl from Hopkins recently pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter for failing to bring his daughter to the hospital when she was having extreme difficulty breathing due to an asthma attack. Although the father showed little concern, a family friend stopped by the home and called 911 after noticing the girl’s skin was blue and she was crying. One week later, she was declared brain dead.
Many cases of neglect involve parental or caregiver substance use in the home, which can interfere with the ability to provide a safe and healthy environment. Caregivers are not allowed to possess methamphetamine paraphernalia or store controlled substances in the home due to the safety risks posed to children.
Mandated reporters as well as family, friends and neighbors should call the county or local law enforcement agency if they suspect a child is being neglected in any way. In general, the county will consider the following:
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Whether the concern poses a significant health or safety hazard to the child
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A continuing pattern of neglect that poses a significant health or safety hazard
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Age and vulnerability of the child
Know the warning signs of abuse and neglect. Don’t hesitate to contact your local child welfare agency if you would like to make a report or have questions about making a report.
Nothing matters more than a child’s safety.
Safe Passage is advocating not only for data transparency, but also for improvements in our child welfare system. As the only government watchdog group of its kind in Minnesota, we invite you to join us in looking out for kids.