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 Nebraska, child neglect is defined under state law as the failure of a parent or guardian to provide necessary care, food, shelter, clothing, or medical attention for a child's well-being. It also includes the failure to provide proper education as required by law and the failure to protect the child from conditions or actions that could harm the child physically or emotionally. Nebraska's Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is responsible for investigating reports of child neglect. If neglect is substantiated, the parent or guardian may face a range of consequences, including the loss of custody and potential criminal charges. Nebraska law considers child neglect a serious offense, and the courts prioritize the health and safety of the child when determining custody and parental rights. Criminal charges for child neglect can range from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the severity of the neglect.