No child should have to suffer from neglect. Unfortunately though, it does happen, so it’s important to catch it before it can progress any further. Some research suggests that Adhd cases were more commonly exposed to neglect and emotional abuse. While parents have their own struggles—which may include things like health issues or addiction—child neglect is never okay, and charity donations, to organizations like St. Judes Org., can be made to help the children who are suffering from neglect. Keep reading to learn more about some of the signs of child neglect:

1. Unsafe living conditions

If a child’s safety is jeopardized due to unsafe living conditions, this can be a sign of child neglect. More specifically, if you notice that a child has inadequate housing—meaning that they live in conditions that threaten their safety and health—it’s possible that they’re being neglected. Those who neglect their children, too, may leave them unattended for lengthy periods of time: hours, days, and sometimes even weeks. Of course, this all depends on the child’s age: leaving a two year old home alone for seven hours is very different from leaving a fourteen year old at home for the same amount of time. Thus, use your best judgment to determine whether or not a child’s living conditions are a cause for concern.

2. Nutritional signs

While a child being significantly underweight or overweight can be a sign of neglect, it’s important to proceed with caution around this sign. For instance, a child could also have extreme issues with their weight due to health conditions or for other reasons. In a similar vein, a child who exhibits constant hunger, stunted growth, or fatigue as a result of malnutrition might be getting neglected. However, just like with weight issues, it’s important to tread carefully before making blunt assumptions and jumping to conclusions.

3. Physical signs

If you notice that a child has injuries or health problems that have gone untreated—such as lacerations—they might be suffering from neglect. Poor hygiene, too, can indicate neglect: a lack of clean clothing, showering, and more can mean that a child is struggling to care for themselves because their guardians aren’t. Similarly, neglect might be occurring if a child is not dressed appropriately for the weather—wearing shorts in the snow, for instance, thus putting them at risk of hypothermia and frostbite. Still, as with everything else on this list, it’s important to be cautious and use your best judgment if a child shows any of the previously mentioned physical signs.

4. Educational signs

There are plenty of valid reasons why a child may miss school, even in large amounts. Some of these may include traveling to see one of their divorced parents, being in treatment for a health condition, and more. However, if there doesn’t seem to be any valid reason for a child missing extensive amounts of school, they might be experiencing neglect at home: some children may choose not to go to school if their parents don’t actively participate in their life. However, while demonstrating concern for a child is good, it’s best not to jump to conclusions before you figure out the full story.