Neglected health care occurs when children's basic health care needs are not met. Although chronic or recurring neglectful situations are especially worrisome, a single exposure to harmful conditions may constitute medical neglect, particularly if the possibility of severe harm is involved. After discussing incidence/prevalence data on child neglected health, a section of the chapter addresses etiology. Belsky (1980) has proposed an ecological theory of multiple and interacting factors at the individual (parent and child), familial, community, and societal levels. Each of these factors is discussed as a possible contributing variable in medical neglect. In discussing the more common forms of neglected health, the chapter considers noncompliance with health care recommendations, failure or delay in seeking health care, religiously motivated medical neglect, inadequate food, obesity, exposure to environmental hazards, and drug-exposed newborns and older children. Core principles are outlined for case evaluation and the management of cases of neglected health care. Special considerations in assessment and management are outlined for each type of medical neglect previously mentioned. 2 tables and 98 references