What is referred to by the failure of parents to meet a child's basic needs?

The term that describes the failure of parents to meet a child's basic needs is neglect. Neglect can manifest in various forms, including physical neglect, where a child may not receive adequate food, shelter, clothing, or supervision; educational neglect, where a child is not provided with necessary education; and emotional neglect, which involves failing to provide emotional support and love. This concept is crucial in child welfare and protection scenarios, where the well-being of children is a central concern.

In comparison, custody refers to the legal right to make decisions about a child's upbringing, rather than directly addressing unmet needs. Alcoholism is a substance use disorder that can impact a parent's ability to care for a child but is not a direct term for the act of failing to provide for a child's needs. Diversity pertains to the variety of different cultures and perspectives, which is unrelated to the issue of meeting a child's basic needs.