Characteristics differentiating neglected children from other reported children

This study used data from the Quebec Incidence Study (QIS) to identify the characteristics that distinguish neglected children and to assess the relative importance of each of these characteristics. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were used to establish which factors linked to neglect were most significant. Results indicated that, when compared to children reported for other forms of maltreatment, children reported for neglect tended to be younger; were more likely to be known to youth protection services; were more likely to be experiencing chronic maltreatment; tended to come from single-parent families; and often had more siblings. In addition, children who were reported for neglect had a greater number of economic, social and psychological problems. Conclusions were that, in many ways, the situations faced by children reported for neglect are often more difficult than those experienced by child victims of other forms of maltreatment.