Florida Child Protection Investigator (CPI) Certification Practice Test

Which is the most common maltreatment among infants?

1. Abuse

2. Neglect

3. Abandonment

4. Threatened harm

The correct answer is: Neglect

Neglect is recognized as the most common form of maltreatment among infants due to various factors that influence caregiving. It encompasses the failure to provide for an infant's basic needs, which can include physical, emotional, educational, and medical necessities. Infants are particularly vulnerable since they are entirely dependent on their caregivers for survival and well-being. Research indicates that neglect often arises from various circumstances such as parental substance abuse, mental health issues, or socioeconomic challenges, which can lead to caregivers being unable to meet their children's basic needs consistently. Recognizing neglect as the predominant maltreatment factor draws attention to the importance of support systems and interventions that can help families address the root causes of neglect and protect vulnerable infants effectively. Other forms of maltreatment, such as physical abuse and abandonment, may occur, but they are less prevalent in the context of infants compared to neglect. This understanding emphasizes that preventative measures and resources targeting neglect can significantly improve outcomes for children in the most vulnerable stages of development.