Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA) Practice Exam

Which of the following is a common indicator of neglect or abuse in children?

1. Developmental delay

2. Excessive academic achievement

3. Consistent positive behavior

4. Frequent extracurricular participation

The correct answer is: Developmental delay

Developmental delay is a prevalent indicator of neglect or abuse in children. This can manifest in various ways, such as difficulties with speech, motor skills, or social interactions, which may result from adverse conditions in the child’s environment. Neglect or abuse can hinder a child’s ability to thrive, leading to delays in reaching developmental milestones. Recognizing these delays is crucial for professionals in identifying potential abuse or neglect, as they often suggest that a child is not receiving the care or support necessary for healthy development. In contrast, the other options—excessive academic achievement, consistent positive behavior, and frequent extracurricular participation—tend to signal a supportive environment and can indicate that a child is receiving appropriate guidance, care, and resources. These positive indicators would typically not correlate with neglect or abuse, as children in such situations usually struggle in various aspects of their development and well-being.