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 Idaho, child neglect is defined under the Idaho Code §16-1602 as any case in which a child has been abandoned, lacks proper parental care through the actions or omissions of the parent, guardian or custodian, or has been subjected to an environment that is injurious to their welfare. This includes failure to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, medical care, education, or supervision. Idaho courts prioritize the health, safety, and well-being of children in these matters. If a parent or guardian is found guilty of child neglect, they may face significant consequences including the loss of custody and potential criminal charges. The state's Department of Health and Welfare may intervene in cases of suspected child neglect, and mandatory reporting laws require certain professionals to report instances of suspected neglect. Criminal charges for child neglect can range from misdemeanor to felony, depending on the severity of the neglect.