Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA) Practice Exam

What is one possible sign of chronic neglect in a child?

1. Frequent social activities

2. Reports of frequent hunger or begging

3. Regular school attendance

4. Maintaining a good appetite

The correct answer is: Reports of frequent hunger or begging

One possible sign of chronic neglect in a child is reports of frequent hunger or begging. This behavior indicates a lack of adequate care and attention to the child’s basic needs, particularly related to food and nutrition. When a child frequently expresses hunger or is seen begging for food, it suggests that they may not be receiving proper meals at home, which is a fundamental aspect of caregiving. Chronic neglect can manifest in various ways, but consistent issues with food insecurity are a strong indication that the child is not being provided with adequate care. Other options, such as frequent social activities or maintaining a good appetite, do not typically correlate with signs of neglect. In fact, regular school attendance and social activities may suggest that a child is engaged and receiving some level of support, which counters the notion of neglect.