Legal Definitions - failure to thrive

Failure to Thrive (FTT) refers to a medical and developmental condition in young children, typically under the age of three, where their physical growth and development significantly lag behind what is expected for their age. This often manifests as a child's weight, height, or head circumference falling substantially below standard growth charts, and can also include delays in motor skills like crawling or walking.

While FTT can sometimes be linked to underlying medical conditions, it is frequently associated with inadequate nutrition, insufficient care, or a lack of emotional and social stimulation. In family law, evidence of FTT can be a serious concern, often prompting investigations into potential child neglect or abuse by parents or caregivers.

Here are some examples illustrating how "Failure to Thrive" might apply:

• Example 1: Nutritional Neglect
  A baby named Liam is brought to the pediatrician for his 9-month check-up. The doctor notes that Liam has gained very little weight since his last visit and is now in the lowest 5th percentile for weight, despite being born at an average size. His parents report he is a "fussy eater." Further investigation reveals that due to the parents' demanding work schedules and lack of understanding about infant feeding cues, Liam is often not offered enough calories throughout the day, and his meals are frequently interrupted.

  Explanation: This illustrates FTT because Liam's weight gain is significantly below average for his age, directly linked to inadequate nutritional intake due to caregiver practices. This situation could raise concerns about neglect and trigger intervention from child protective services.

• Example 2: Developmental and Environmental Factors
  A toddler named Maya is 18 months old but is not yet crawling or attempting to walk, and her height and weight are consistently below the 10th percentile. Child protective services become involved after a social worker observes that Maya spends most of her day in a playpen with minimal interaction from her caregivers, and her diet consists mainly of easily accessible, low-nutrient snacks.

  Explanation: This demonstrates FTT through both physical growth delays (height, weight) and significant motor development delays (not crawling or walking). The lack of a stimulating environment and poor nutrition, both attributable to caregiver actions or inactions, point towards potential neglect contributing to her failure to thrive.

• Example 3: Sudden Decline in Growth
  A two-year-old, Noah, has recently stopped gaining weight and has even lost a small amount, dropping from the 50th percentile to the 20th percentile for weight in just three months. His parents insist he eats well. After initial medical tests rule out common underlying illnesses, doctors begin to consider environmental and care factors, such as whether Noah is consistently receiving adequate, nutritious meals, or if there are significant stressors in his home environment affecting his appetite and absorption of nutrients.

  Explanation: This example shows FTT as a sudden and significant decline in growth, even after a period of normal development. When medical causes are initially excluded, this rapid change prompts an investigation into the care and environmental factors provided by the parents, highlighting how FTT can signal potential issues with parental provision of care.