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 Connecticut, child neglect is addressed under both civil and criminal statutes. Civilly, child neglect is defined by the Connecticut General Statutes under Section 46b-120, where it is considered a form of child abuse. The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is responsible for investigating allegations of neglect and can intervene to protect the child, which may include removing the child from the home and placing them in foster care. In severe cases, parental rights may be terminated. Criminally, child neglect can lead to charges such as Risk of Injury to a Minor under Section 53-21 of the Connecticut General Statutes, which is a felony offense. This statute makes it illegal to place a child under the age of 16 in a situation that endangers their life or health, which can include neglectful acts. Penalties for criminal child neglect can include imprisonment, fines, and a criminal record. Courts in Connecticut take allegations of child neglect seriously, and the primary concern is always the health, safety, and well-being of the child.