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 Nevada, child neglect is addressed under the state's child welfare statutes and criminal laws. Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) define child neglect as the failure of a person responsible for the child to provide proper care, support, education, or treatment necessary for the child's health, welfare, and safety. This includes the failure to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, medical care, or supervision. Additionally, placing a child in a situation that may be physically or emotionally harmful is also considered neglect. When instances of child neglect are reported, child protective services may intervene, and the responsible party may face civil consequences, such as the loss of custody or parental rights. Furthermore, under Nevada law, child neglect can lead to criminal charges, which may result in fines, imprisonment, or both. The severity of the penalties often depends on the degree of harm or risk to the child. Courts in Nevada prioritize the best interests of the child in cases involving neglect, and any legal proceedings will focus on ensuring the child's safety and well-being.