Growth Faltering in the Very Young: Implications for Forensic Nurses

Growth faltering (GF), also known as failure-to-thrive (FTT), is a serious health threat in both adults and children that forensic nurses (FNs) may encounter. Children who fail to grow optimally often miss critical developmental milestones due to insufficient nutrition, which is essential for normal child development. GF and FTT are symptoms, not final diagnoses. Therefore, FNs should use critical thinking and assessment skills to identify the underlying causes. This article provides insights into the FNs approach to evaluating a child with GF. It emphasizes the importance of gathering a detailed psychosocial history, assessing growth trends, and considering multidisciplinary referrals when necessary. The aim is to equip FNs with the best practices to address GF, particularly when they are involved as experts in court cases or in situations reported to Child Protective Services (CPS).