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 Arizona, child neglect is defined as the inability or failure of a parent or guardian to provide essential needs such as food, clothing, shelter, medical care, education, or proper supervision that ensures a child's health, safety, and well-being. Arizona law considers the exposure of a child to physically or emotionally harmful situations as a form of neglect. Child neglect is taken very seriously by the courts and can result in severe consequences. Under Arizona Revised Statutes, particularly Title 8 (Child Safety), and Title 13 (Criminal Code), individuals found guilty of child neglect can face criminal charges, which may include misdemeanors or felonies depending on the severity of the neglect. Additionally, the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) may intervene, and the neglectful parent or guardian may lose custody or have their parental rights limited or terminated. The state prioritizes the welfare of the child and any suspicion of neglect is thoroughly investigated to protect the child's interests.