Abuse Information
What is Child Abuse or Neglect?
According to the Missouri Legislature the following definitions apply to abuse and neglect:
- Abuse
- Any physical injury, sexual abuse, or emotional abuse inflicted on a child other than by accidental means by those responsible for the child's care, custody and control, except that discipline including spanking, administered in a reasonable manner, shall not be construed to be abuse.
- Neglect
- The failure to provide, by those responsible for the care, custody and control of the child the proper or necessary support, education as required by law, nutrition or medical, surgical, or any other care necessary for the child's well being.
Those responsible for the care, custody, and control of the child – include, but are not limited to, the parents or guardian of a child, other members of the child's household, or those exercising supervision over a child for any part of a twenty-four hour day. Those responsible for the care, custody and control shall also include any adult who, based on their relationship to the parents of the child, members of the child's household or family, has access to the child.
The answers provided above come from the Jackson County, Missouri Family Court Handbook.