{"id":352013,"date":"2016-04-04T10:42:08","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:42:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/child-abuse-overview.html"},"modified":"2025-05-16T17:53:57","modified_gmt":"2025-05-16T22:53:57","slug":"child-abuse-overview","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/child-abuse-overview.html","title":{"rendered":"Child Abuse Charges"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Child Abuse Charges<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Child abuse charges stem from acts or failures that harm a child, including physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. Charges and penalties vary by state and severity and can lead to substantial prison terms, mandated removal of the child from the home, and long-term restrictions on parental rights.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Child abuse is broadly defined as any act or omission that harms a child or creates a substantial risk of harm.\u00a0It\u00a0can take the form of physical, mental, or emotional harm. State child abuse<\/a> charges often include child endangerment, abandonment, neglect, and sexual abuse.<\/p>\n

This article explains:<\/p>\n