Child neglect is the failure of a parent or other person with responsibility for the child to provide the food, clothing, shelter, medical care, education, and supervision necessary for the child's health, safety, and well-being. Placing the child in physically or emotionally harmful situations is also child neglect. Courts take child neglect seriously, and a parent or other person with custody of the child who is guilty of child neglect may lose custody of the child, and may face criminal charges.
In Texas, child neglect is addressed under the Texas Family Code and the Texas Penal Code. The law defines child neglect as the failure of a parent, guardian, or other person with responsibility for a child to provide the necessary basic care, which includes food, clothing, shelter, medical care, education, and supervision that a child needs for their health, safety, and well-being. Additionally, placing a child in situations that could be physically or emotionally harmful is also considered neglect. Texas courts take allegations of child neglect very seriously. If a parent or guardian is found to have neglected a child, they may face significant consequences, including the loss of custody or parental rights. Furthermore, child neglect can lead to criminal charges, which may result in fines, community service, counseling, probation, or imprisonment. The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is also involved in investigating reports of child neglect and can take action to protect the child, including removing the child from the home if necessary.
