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Child custody

neglect

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 Virginia, child neglect is addressed under the state's child welfare laws and is considered a serious offense. The Code of Virginia § 18.2-371.1 defines child abuse and neglect as any act or omission by a parent or guardian that endangers a child's health or life. This includes failure to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, medical care, education, or supervision, as well as placing the child in physically or emotionally harmful situations. The Virginia Department of Social Services is responsible for investigating reports of child neglect. If neglect is substantiated, the parent or guardian may face a range of consequences, from being required to participate in support services to losing custody of the child. Additionally, child neglect can result in criminal charges, which may include fines and imprisonment. The severity of the legal consequences typically depends on the extent of the neglect and the harm to the child.

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Child custody

neglect

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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Virginia State Code

Virginia State Code

Child custody

neglect

Articles