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 Mexico, child neglect is addressed under the state's child welfare and criminal statutes. Child neglect is defined as the failure of a parent, guardian, or custodian to provide a child with basic needs such as food, clothing, shelter, medical care, education, and proper supervision, which are necessary for the child's well-being. This also includes exposing the child to physically or emotionally harmful situations. New Mexico law mandates that any person who knows or has a reasonable suspicion that a child is being abused or neglected must report it to the proper authorities. The Children, Youth, and Families Department (CYFD) is typically involved in investigating reports of child neglect. If neglect is substantiated, the parent or guardian may face consequences including the loss of custody and potential criminal charges. The severity of the neglect and the circumstances surrounding the case will influence the legal outcomes, which can range from mandated participation in support services to felony charges for severe neglect.