Child neglect laws vary from state to state in their naming (child abuse, child neglect, child endangerment, etc.), definitions, and penalties (misdemeanor or felony, jail or probation). But parents, guardians, and other adult caregivers with responsibility for supervising children have an obligation to protect those children from unreasonably dangerous conditions.

Situations that may constitute child neglect include (1) failing to ensure the child receives necessary medical care; (2) failing to provide the child with food, clothing, and shelter; (3) leaving a child unattended in a motor vehicle; (3) serving alcohol to an underage driver; (4) driving while intoxicated with a child in the motor vehicle; (5) leaving a young child unsupervised in an unsafe place or situation; (6) unreasonable punishment resulting in bodily injury (severe spanking, burning, extended isolation, etc.); (7) hiring a babysitter, nanny, or other adult supervisor with a known history of sexual or other abuse of children; (8) leaving firearms within the reach of children; (9) exposing a child to drug transactions or manufacturing; (10) exposing a child to pornography; (11) engaging in sexual activity in view of a child; and (12) placing or allowing a child to remain in a situation that may endanger the child’s life, physical health, mental health, emotional health, morals, or development.

Child neglect laws are usually included in a state’s penal or criminal code (statutes)—which provide for the related criminal charges—and in a state’s family code (statutes) that address the civil (non-criminal) implications of child neglect—often in the context of divorce and child custody matters.

Except in limited circumstances, federal laws generally do not apply to child neglect matters that take place within a single state. Such criminal matters that take place within a single state are generally handled by state or local authorities and prosecuted under state laws. But if the neglect of a child involves conduct or materials in multiple states, or occurs on federal lands (military bases, American Indian territories) the offense may be prosecuted under federal law.

In Kentucky, child neglect is addressed under various statutes that define and penalize acts that fail to meet a child's basic needs or expose them to harm. Kentucky law considers child neglect as any situation where a parent or guardian does not provide necessary care for a child's well-being, including medical care, food, clothing, and shelter. Leaving a child unattended in a vehicle, serving alcohol to an underage driver, driving under the influence with a child in the vehicle, leaving a child unsupervised in a dangerous situation, inflicting unreasonable punishment, and exposing a child to illegal activities such as drug transactions are all examples of neglect. The penalties for child neglect can range from misdemeanors to felonies, with consequences including fines, probation, or jail time. Child neglect also has civil implications, particularly in family law matters such as divorce and child custody. While most child neglect cases are handled under state law, federal law may apply if the neglect involves interstate conduct or occurs on federal lands. Kentucky's statutes provide a framework for both the prevention and punishment of child neglect, aiming to safeguard the health and welfare of children within the state.