Child abuse is generally the mistreatment of a child by a parent or caregiver—through actions or inactions—that causes injury, death, or emotional harm to the child—or that places the child at serious risk of such injury, death, or emotional harm. Mistreatment that constitutes child abuse may take many forms, including neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, failure to supervise, and exploitation. Child abuse laws vary from state to state and are usually located in a state’s family code and criminal or penal code.

In Idaho, child abuse is addressed under both civil and criminal statutes, designed to protect children from harm and to hold perpetrators accountable. According to Idaho Code §16-1603, abuse is defined as any case in which a child has been subjected to conduct or conditions likely to result in harm or which have actually caused harm, including physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, as well as neglect or abandonment. The law requires certain professionals and individuals, such as educators and healthcare providers, to report suspected child abuse to the proper authorities, typically the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare or law enforcement. Failure to report can result in penalties. Criminal charges for child abuse can range from misdemeanor injury to a child, under Idaho Code §18-1501, to more severe felony charges depending on the nature and severity of the abuse. The state takes these matters seriously, and the legal system is structured to intervene and provide protective measures for the child, which can include removal from the home, and to prosecute those responsible for the abuse.