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 Iowa, parental abandonment is addressed under Iowa Code section 600A, which governs the termination of parental rights. A parent may be considered to have abandoned a child if they have not maintained significant and meaningful contact with the child or have not provided for the care and support of the child as required by law or judicial decree for a period of six consecutive months. Termination of parental rights in Iowa can occur if the court finds that the parent has abandoned the child and that termination is in the best interests of the child. However, Iowa law typically requires that there be another person, such as a stepparent or relative, ready to adopt the child before terminating the biological parent's rights. Regarding criminal charges, under Iowa Code section 726.3, a parent or guardian may face criminal charges for abandonment of a dependent person if they knowingly or recklessly desert a child under circumstances that could endanger the child's life or health.