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 Rhode Island, child neglect is addressed under state statutes that define it as the failure of a parent or guardian to provide necessary food, clothing, shelter, medical care, education, and supervision for a child's well-being. This also encompasses exposing the child to physically or emotionally harmful situations. Rhode Island law takes child neglect seriously, and the courts have the authority to intervene in cases where neglect is suspected. Consequences for individuals found guilty of child neglect can include the loss of custody and potential criminal charges. The state's child welfare agency, along with law enforcement, may become involved in investigations and interventions to protect the welfare of the child. The specific statutes governing child neglect in Rhode Island can be found in Title 40 of the Rhode Island General Laws, particularly in the sections related to the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF).