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 Louisiana, child neglect is addressed under the state's child welfare statutes and criminal laws. Child neglect is defined as the failure of a parent or guardian to provide necessary care, supervision, and support for a child's well-being, which includes food, clothing, shelter, medical care, and education. Louisiana law also considers placing a child in physically or emotionally harmful situations as neglect. The Louisiana Children's Code provides the legal framework for reporting, investigating, and addressing child neglect. When neglect is suspected, it must be reported to the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), which will investigate the allegations. If neglect is substantiated, the parent or guardian may face consequences such as the loss of custody or visitation rights. Additionally, depending on the severity of the neglect, criminal charges may be filed, potentially leading to fines, community service, or imprisonment. The courts in Louisiana prioritize the health and safety of the child, and any decisions regarding custody or criminal charges will be made with the child's best interests in mind.