American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) Practice Exam

Which situation would least likely indicate child neglect?

1. Frequent absences from school

2. Inadequate medical care

3. Inconsistent explanation of injuries

4. Being left alone for short periods

The correct answer is: Being left alone for short periods

Being left alone for short periods is the situation that least likely indicates child neglect because it often depends on the child's age, maturity, and the duration of time they are left alone. Many parents and caregivers may leave older children alone briefly for practical reasons, which is generally considered acceptable and does not inherently signify neglect. In contrast, frequent absences from school, inadequate medical care, and inconsistent explanations of injuries are more direct indicators of potential neglect or abuse. Frequent school absences can highlight a lack of supervision or engagement from caregivers, inadequate medical care often suggests that basic health needs are not being met, and inconsistent explanations of injuries could signal the presence of abuse or neglect that is being hidden. Each of these situations tends to reflect more significant issues regarding a child's well-being and oversight by guardians.