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 North Dakota, child neglect is defined under the North Dakota Century Code (NDCC) 50-25.1-02 as the failure to provide the necessary food, clothing, shelter, medical care, or supervision appropriate for the child's development, which results in physical or psychological harm. This includes placing the child in situations that may be physically or emotionally harmful. The state takes allegations of child neglect seriously, and such cases are typically handled by the North Dakota Department of Human Services. 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 severity of the penalties often depends on the extent of the neglect and the harm caused to the child. North Dakota law also mandates certain professionals and individuals to report suspected child neglect to the authorities.