A child being left alone for long periods due to a caregiver's work schedule would be considered neglect.

A child being left alone for long periods due to a caregiver's work schedule would be considered neglect.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not sure
• D. Sometimes

Answer: (A)

Neglect involves failing to provide adequate supervision and safety appropriate to a child’s age and development. If a caregiver’s work schedule leaves a child alone for long periods, there isn’t enough supervision to protect the child from harm or meet basic safety needs. While older, more independent youth might be okay to be home alone for short periods, long unsupervised time due to a caregiver’s schedule represents a lapse in the care a child requires, which aligns with neglect. In some cases, if there is reliable alternate supervision or the child is old enough and safe, that might change the situation, but the scenario described fits the typical understanding of neglect.

Neglect involves failing to provide adequate supervision and safety appropriate to a child’s age and development. If a caregiver’s work schedule leaves a child alone for long periods, there isn’t enough supervision to protect the child from harm or meet basic safety needs. While older, more independent youth might be okay to be home alone for short periods, long unsupervised time due to a caregiver’s schedule represents a lapse in the care a child requires, which aligns with neglect. In some cases, if there is reliable alternate supervision or the child is old enough and safe, that might change the situation, but the scenario described fits the typical understanding of neglect.