Final answer:
Yes, lack of social support is a parental risk factor for child neglect, along with uninvolved parenting, substance abuse, social isolation, and other stressors. This risk is prevalent across all socioeconomic levels and can lead to negative emotional and behavioral outcomes in children.
Step-by-step explanation:
Yes, lack of social support is indeed a parental risk factor for neglect. Uninvolved parenting, characterized by indifference and unresponsiveness to a child's needs, can stem from factors such as parental depression, substance abuse, an excessive focus on work, or other stressors. Children raised by such parents often experience negative emotional and behavioral outcomes.
Particularly for infants, who are totally dependent on their caregivers, the absence of parental care or failure to use available public or private services can lead to interventions by child welfare services. Cultural values, the standard of care in a community, and poverty are other factors that can contribute to neglect.
Parental risk factors such as substance abuse, social isolation, depression, low education, and a history of abuse contribute significantly to the likelihood of child neglect. Children raised in these environments have an increased risk of experiencing both physical abuse and neglect.