What constitutes severe neglect?

Severe neglect is characterized by the failure to provide necessary care and support that results in significant harm or a substantial risk of harm to an individual, particularly vulnerable populations such as children. Malnutrition and failure to thrive are clear indicators of severe neglect, as they demonstrate a lack of basic necessities such as food and adequate medical attention, which are fundamental to an individual's physical and emotional well-being. This condition illustrates not just a lapse in care, but a serious and harmful situation that can lead to long-lasting health issues or even developmental delays. These elements are critical when assessing cases of neglect, as they focus on the actual impact of care deficiencies on an individual's health and safety.

In contrast, excessive supervision, lack of communication, and inappropriate discipline may represent issues in caregiving or parenting but do not necessarily meet the threshold of severe neglect, as they do not invariably result in direct physical harm or significant danger to the individual's health and development.