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 Washington State, child neglect is addressed under the state's child welfare laws and is taken very seriously. Child neglect is defined 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 includes exposing the child to physically or emotionally harmful situations. If a parent or guardian is found guilty of child neglect, they may face significant consequences including the loss of custody and potential criminal charges. Washington's child protective services (CPS) and the courts are involved in investigating allegations of neglect and taking appropriate action to protect the welfare of the child. The Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 26.44.020 provides the legal definition and framework for addressing child abuse and neglect in the state.