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 Colorado, child neglect is addressed under the state's child welfare statutes, specifically in the Colorado Children's Code. The law defines child neglect as an act or omission that threatens the health or welfare of a child, including failure to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, medical care, or supervision. Colorado law requires certain professionals and citizens to report suspected child neglect to county departments of social services or local law enforcement. When neglect is reported, an investigation is initiated to assess the child's safety and well-being. If neglect is substantiated, the responsible party may face a range of consequences, from participation in family support services to criminal charges. In severe cases, parental rights may be terminated, and the child may be placed in foster care or become available for adoption. The Colorado Children's Code aims to protect children's rights to safety and proper care, and the courts prioritize the best interests of the child in any proceeding involving allegations of neglect.