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 Wisconsin, child neglect is addressed under the state's child protection laws, specifically in Chapter 48 of the Wisconsin Statutes, which governs the welfare of children. Child neglect is defined as the failure of a parent or guardian to provide necessary care, food, clothing, shelter, medical or dental care, or any other care necessary for a child's well-being. This includes both physical and emotional neglect, such as abandonment or the refusal to provide necessary care, which can lead to harm or a substantial risk of harm to the child's health or welfare. Wisconsin law mandates that certain professionals and community members report suspected child neglect to the authorities. When neglect is reported, the county's child protective services agency investigates the allegations. If neglect is substantiated, the parent or guardian may face a range of consequences, from being required to participate in services to improve the care of the child, to losing custody of the child. Additionally, severe cases of neglect can result in criminal charges, including misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the circumstances. The courts in Wisconsin prioritize the best interests of the child when making decisions regarding custody and parental rights in cases involving neglect.