Although cases of child abandonment sometimes involve a parent separating from a child without any real warning, most situations involve a process evolving over time, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Although each case of child abandonment is unique, distinct stages in the abandonment process commonly exist.
Emotional Abandonment
The initial stage of child abandonment involves emotional distancing by the parent, according to "Understanding Child Abuse & Neglect" by Waln K. Brown. The parent becomes emotionally detached from the child. The detachment can be the result of emotional or mental health issues. In addition, emotional abandonment can be the result of external factors in the parent's life, including associations with other individuals or the use of mind-altering substances.
Reduction in Daily Care
The next stage of child abandonment occurs when a parent starts to pay less attention to the child's daily needs. The parent loses interest in the child's activities, including educational pursuits. The parent even becomes unconcerned about a child's dietary and other needs and requirements. This is the stage in which outsiders, including teachers, many times notice a change in a child's living situation.
Physical Abandonment
The ultimate stage of child abandonment is a parent who physically separates from a child. Rarely is physical separation as dramatic as a parent who dumps a child off at a hospital, fire station or some other public location. A typical scenario is a parent who makes arrangement for a family member or friend to "babysit" the child for a set period of time. The parent simply does not return to reclaim the child.
References
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Definitions of Child Abuse and Neglect
- "Understanding Child Abuse & Neglect"; Waln K. Brown; 2008
- "Secret Pains: Identifying and Overcoming Unresolved Inner Pains and Anger from Parental Abandonment"; Judith G. Psy.D Arndell; 2008
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