What does it mean for a minor to be considered neglected?

A minor is considered neglected when they lack necessary support and care. Neglect encompasses situations where a child's basic needs, such as food, shelter, medical care, education, and emotional support, are not adequately met. This may occur due to a variety of factors, including parental inability to provide these essential services or a failure to protect the child from harmful circumstances.

In this context, neglect is a significant issue that can have lasting repercussions on a child’s physical and emotional well-being, affecting their development and overall life trajectory. It's important to understand that neglect is rooted not just in a single aspect, like educational attendance or living conditions, but in a broader absence of adequate care and support.

While other options may reflect important issues, such as truancy or informal living arrangements, they do not encapsulate the comprehensive definition of neglect. Neglect focuses on the overall lack of support and care, making it the most accurate choice in this scenario.