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 Kansas, child abuse is defined and regulated under both the Kansas Code for Care of Children and the Kansas Criminal Code. The state defines child abuse as any act, or failure to act, by a parent, guardian, or caregiver that results in physical, emotional, or sexual harm, or that poses a risk of harm to a child. This includes physical abuse, neglect, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and exploitation. Kansas law requires mandatory reporting of suspected child abuse by certain professionals and imposes penalties for failing to report. When abuse is suspected, the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) is typically involved in the investigation and, if necessary, the intervention to protect the child. Criminal charges for child abuse can range from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the severity of the abuse. The state takes child abuse seriously and has established both civil and criminal remedies to address and prevent harm to children.