Child neglect differs from child abuse, though their results may be similar. Both can cause physical injury, emotional harm, and even death. But neglect is what a parent or caretaker does NOT do, rather than what he or she does. The following are conditions under which the law requires a report to Child Protection or a law enforcement agency:
- Inadequate food, clothing, shelter, or medical care
- Abandonment
- Exposure to threatening or endangering conditions
- Educational neglect
- Prenatal exposure to substance abuse
- Inadequate supervision
- Child has suffered a physical injury as a result of hazardous conditions uncorrected by parent or guardian
- Child suffers injury or risk of injury due to domestic violence
- Failure to provide for a child's special needs
- Exposure to, or involvement in, criminal activities
Child neglect is the continued failure by parents or caretakers to provide a child with needed care and protection.