In most states a parent is considered to have abandoned a child if the parent does not make contact with the child and withholds financial support for a period of one or two years. Abandonment may be a basis to terminate a parent’s parental rights. But most states will not terminate a parent’s legal rights and obligations unless there is another adult—often a family member or stepparent—who wants to formally adopt the child.

Abandonment may result in criminal charges if a parent or guardian leaves a child under a certain age (15, for example) in any place and circumstance under which no reasonable adult would do so. For example, leaving a 8 year old child at the shopping mall may result in criminal charges of abandonment.

In Connecticut, parental abandonment is addressed under state statutes that define abandonment as a form of neglect. According to Connecticut General Statutes Section 17a-101, a child may be considered to be 'abandoned' by the parent if the parent has failed to maintain a reasonable degree of interest, concern or responsibility as to the welfare of the child. This can include failing to provide necessary care for a child for an extended period or withholding emotional and financial support. If a court determines that a parent has abandoned a child, it may lead to the termination of parental rights, particularly if there is another adult willing to adopt the child, such as a stepparent or another family member. Regarding criminal charges, under Connecticut law, leaving a child under the age of 12 unsupervised in a place of public accommodation or a motor vehicle may lead to charges of leaving a child unsupervised in a place of public accommodation or a motor vehicle (Connecticut General Statutes Section 53-21a). The specific circumstances, such as the child's age and the situation in which they were left, will be considered in determining whether the act constitutes criminal abandonment.