Neglect

Definition: Child neglect, like abuse, is a big reason why children are placed in foster care. It can also take many forms. Neglect of a child may mean that the child lacked proper housing, nutrition, or even medical care. It is not uncommon for a child to come into foster care because the birth parents failed to treat diabetes or even cancer. Unclean living conditions and lack of supervision are also a form of child neglect.