What is parental neglect?

parental neglect n. a crime consisting of acts or omissions of a parent (including a step-parent, adoptive parent, or someone who, in practical terms, serves in a parent's role) which endangers the health and life of a child or fails to take steps necessary to the proper raising of a child. read more

Child neglect depends on how a child and society perceives the parents’ behavior; it is not how parents believe they are behaving towards their child. Parental failure to provide for a child, when options are available, is different from failure to provide when options are not available. read more

Parental neglect may be differently defined depending on the region in which a person lives. It should be noted that neglect if often a legal definition. Neglecting a child from a parent’s point of view might have different definitions that do not meet legal tests and are not necessarily criminal or civil offenses. read more