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 Vermont, parental abandonment is defined as a parent's failure to maintain a reasonable degree of interest, concern, or responsibility for the welfare of their child. This can include failing to provide financial support or to communicate with the child. Vermont law typically considers a child to be abandoned if a parent has not made any effort to carry out their parental responsibilities for a period of six months. Such abandonment can be grounds for involuntary termination of parental rights, particularly if it is in the best interest of the child and there is another individual, such as a stepparent or relative, ready to assume parental responsibilities through adoption. Additionally, Vermont may impose criminal charges on a parent or guardian who leaves a child in a situation where their health or safety is at risk, such as leaving a young child unattended in a public place. The specific age at which a child can be considered to be left in a potentially harmful situation without supervision is not fixed by a specific age in the statutes, but is assessed based on the circumstances and the child's ability to care for themselves.