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 New Jersey, child neglect is addressed under the state's child welfare statutes and criminal laws. Child neglect is defined as the failure of a parent or guardian to provide necessary food, clothing, shelter, medical care, education, or supervision to the degree that the child's health, safety, and well-being are threatened with harm. New Jersey law also considers placing a child in physically or emotionally harmful situations as neglect. The New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P) is responsible for investigating reports of child neglect and taking appropriate action, which may include removing the child from the home if necessary. In severe cases, a parent or guardian found guilty of child neglect can face criminal charges and penalties, including the potential loss of custody. Family courts in New Jersey take allegations of child neglect seriously and prioritize the best interests of the child when making custody determinations.