Child neglect laws vary from state to state in their naming (child abuse, child neglect, child endangerment, etc.), definitions, and penalties (misdemeanor or felony, jail or probation). But parents, guardians, and other adult caregivers with responsibility for supervising children have an obligation to protect those children from unreasonably dangerous conditions.

Situations that may constitute child neglect include (1) failing to ensure the child receives necessary medical care; (2) failing to provide the child with food, clothing, and shelter; (3) leaving a child unattended in a motor vehicle; (3) serving alcohol to an underage driver; (4) driving while intoxicated with a child in the motor vehicle; (5) leaving a young child unsupervised in an unsafe place or situation; (6) unreasonable punishment resulting in bodily injury (severe spanking, burning, extended isolation, etc.); (7) hiring a babysitter, nanny, or other adult supervisor with a known history of sexual or other abuse of children; (8) leaving firearms within the reach of children; (9) exposing a child to drug transactions or manufacturing; (10) exposing a child to pornography; (11) engaging in sexual activity in view of a child; and (12) placing or allowing a child to remain in a situation that may endanger the child’s life, physical health, mental health, emotional health, morals, or development.

Child neglect laws are usually included in a state’s penal or criminal code (statutes)—which provide for the related criminal charges—and in a state’s family code (statutes) that address the civil (non-criminal) implications of child neglect—often in the context of divorce and child custody matters.

Except in limited circumstances, federal laws generally do not apply to child neglect matters that take place within a single state. Such criminal matters that take place within a single state are generally handled by state or local authorities and prosecuted under state laws. But if the neglect of a child involves conduct or materials in multiple states, or occurs on federal lands (military bases, American Indian territories) the offense may be prosecuted under federal law.

In Florida, child neglect is addressed under both criminal and civil statutes. Florida Statutes Section 827.03 defines child neglect as a caregiver's failure to provide a child with the care, supervision, and services necessary to maintain the child's physical and mental health, which may include food, nutrition, clothing, shelter, supervision, medicine, and medical services that a prudent person would consider essential for the well-being of the child. Neglect also includes situations where a caregiver fails to make a reasonable effort to protect a child from abuse, neglect, or exploitation by another person. The penalties for child neglect in Florida can range from a third-degree felony for neglect that does not cause great bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement, to a second-degree felony if the neglect results in serious injury. Additionally, Florida law prohibits leaving a child unattended in a vehicle for more than 15 minutes or for any period if the motor is running or the health of the child is in danger. Civil implications of child neglect can arise in family law matters, such as child custody disputes, where evidence of neglect may impact a court's decision regarding parenting plans and custody arrangements. Federal law may apply in cases where neglect involves activities across state lines or on federal lands, but typically child neglect is prosecuted under state law.