Child neglect is the failure of a parent or other person with responsibility for the child to provide the food, clothing, shelter, medical care, education, and supervision necessary for the child's health, safety, and well-being. Placing the child in physically or emotionally harmful situations is also child neglect. Courts take child neglect seriously, and a parent or other person with custody of the child who is guilty of child neglect may lose custody of the child, and may face criminal charges.
In Arkansas, child neglect is addressed under the state's child welfare statutes and criminal laws. Child neglect is defined as the failure of a parent or guardian to provide necessary food, clothing, shelter, medical care, education, and supervision for a child's well-being. This also includes exposing the child to physically or emotionally harmful situations. Arkansas courts take allegations of child neglect seriously. If a parent or guardian is found guilty of neglect, they may face significant consequences, including the loss of custody of the child. Additionally, child neglect can lead to criminal charges, and depending on the severity of the neglect, penalties can range from fines to imprisonment. Arkansas's child protective services agency may also intervene in cases of suspected child neglect to ensure the safety and welfare of the child.