Crimes Against Children: Neglect Frequently Asked Questions
This section provides answers to common questions about child neglect under Maryland law.
What is Neglect?
Neglect is any form of maltreatment or negligence that harms a child's health, welfare, or safety. This can include physical, emotional, or educational neglect.
Are there different forms of neglect?
Yes. Neglect can be defined in two ways:
- Failure to provide proper care and attention, including leaving a child unattended where their health or welfare is at substantial risk of harm.
- Mental injury to a child, or substantial risk of mental injury, caused by a failure to provide proper care.
What constitutes "mental injury"?
Mental injury is the observable, identifiable, and substantial impairment of a child's mental or psychological ability to function.
What are examples of potential forms of neglect?
Neglect can occur through various actions, such as:
- Abandonment
- Refusal to seek treatment for illness
- Inadequate supervision
- Health hazards in the home
- Ignoring a child's need for contact, affirmation, and stimulation
- Providing inadequate emotional support
- Knowingly permitting chronic truancy
- Keeping a child home from school repeatedly without cause
- Failing to enroll a child in school (or home school)
Under what age is a person considered a “child” under Maryland child abuse and neglect laws?
Under Maryland law, a "child" is defined as an individual under the age of eighteen (18).
Who can be found guilty of neglect?
A child's parent or any other individual who has permanent or temporary care, custody, or responsibility for the supervision of the child.
Who should or must report possible cases of neglect?
In Maryland, health practitioners, police officers, educators, and human service workers are legally required to report suspected cases of abuse, neglect, or mental injury. All other citizens are also required to make reports if they have a reason to believe a child has been subjected to these issues.