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 Rhode Island, parental abandonment is addressed under state statutes concerning child welfare and family law. According to Rhode Island law, abandonment occurs when a parent fails to maintain a substantial role in the child's life, which includes failing to provide financial support or maintain regular contact. The period after which abandonment is presumed may vary, but typically it is after at least one year of no contact or support. This can be grounds for the termination of parental rights, especially in cases where another adult is willing to step in and adopt the child. However, the court will consider the best interests of the child before terminating parental rights. Additionally, under Rhode Island criminal statutes, a parent or guardian may face criminal charges for abandonment if they leave a child in a situation where their health or safety is at risk, such as leaving a young child alone in a public place without reasonable care or supervision.