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 York, child neglect is addressed under the Family Court Act (Article 10) and the Social Services Law. These laws define child neglect as the failure of a parent or caretaker to provide the necessary degree of care for a child's physical, mental, or emotional well-being. This includes providing food, clothing, shelter, medical care, education, and supervision. The law also considers placing a child in physically or emotionally harmful situations as neglect. When a case of child neglect is reported, Child Protective Services (CPS) within the New York State Office of Children and Family Services is responsible for investigating the allegations. If neglect is substantiated, the case may be brought before the Family Court, where a judge can issue orders for supervision, treatment, or removal of the child from the home, if necessary. In severe cases, criminal charges may be filed under the New York Penal Law, which can result in fines, imprisonment, or both. The consequences of child neglect are serious, and the primary concern is always the safety and well-being of the child.