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 Massachusetts, child neglect is addressed under the state's child welfare statutes and criminal laws. The Massachusetts General Laws (M.G.L.) define child neglect as the failure of a parent or guardian to provide for a child's basic needs, which include food, clothing, shelter, medical care, education, and proper supervision. This also encompasses situations where a child is placed in physically or emotionally harmful circumstances. The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is the state agency responsible for investigating reports of child neglect and taking appropriate action, which may include removing the child from the home if necessary for their safety. In terms of legal consequences, individuals found responsible for child neglect can face criminal charges, which may result in fines, imprisonment, or both. Additionally, the family court system can modify or terminate parental rights if it is in the best interest of the child, thereby affecting custody arrangements. The courts in Massachusetts prioritize the health, safety, and well-being of the child when considering cases of neglect.