Arizona Child Abuse Laws

Arizona child abuse laws criminalize physical, emotional, and sexual abuse of minors. These laws also require that certain third parties with knowledge of the abuse report it to the authorities. The goal is to prevent children from experiencing serious physical injury and other behavior that threatens their well-being.

In Arizona, professionals with access to children (such as teachers and pediatricians) must report suspected child abuse to the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS). DCS investigates reports of alleged child abuse and neglect and works with law enforcement to ensure they file criminal charges against offenders.

In this article, we will explain Arizona’s child abuse laws, including the categories of abuse, and provide links to helpful resources on this topic.

Arizona Law and Types of Child Abuse

Most people assume that child abuse primarily involves physical abuse. However, abuse comes in many forms, such as emotional abuse, mental abuse, and even medical care abuse.

According to the Arizona DCS, child abuse and neglect can occur in different forms, including:

• Physical abuse: Involves non-accidental physical injuries such as bruises, broken bones, burns, cuts or other injuries.
• Sexual abuse: Occurs when offenders commit sexual assault against a child or engage in sexual contact/sexual intercourse with minors. Many cases involving sexual abuse focus on offenders using children in pornography, prostitution, and other types of sexual conduct.
• Emotional abuse: When a parent/guardian causes severe anxiety, depression, or other mental impairment throughtheir actions or omissions.
• Exploitation: Using a child for material gain.
• Abandonment: The state may charge a parent/caretaker with abandonment if they fail to provide reasonable support or maintain regular contact with the child.

Neglect is also often considered child abuse in Arizona. This occurs when parents and caretakers do not take proper care of their children.

Some examples of child neglect include:

• Failing to seek appropriate medical care when a child is sick or suffers a physical harm
• Leaving young children unsupervised or alone
• Locking a child in or out of the house
• Not providing a child with adequate clothing, food, and shelter

A parent who allows their children to live in a dirty house (to the point that it's a health hazard) may also be negligent.

Arizona Child Abuse and Neglect Laws at a Glance

The following table touches on the basics of Arizona child abuse law. For more general information, see FindLaw's Child Abuse Overview.

Note: State laws are subject to change through new legislation, higher court rulings, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information, consult an Arizona criminal defense attorney if you need help understanding how these laws might apply to your unique circumstances.

Get Professional Legal Help with Child Abuse Charges

If the state has named you in an Arizona child abuse case, you may feel like the cards are stacked against you. The good news is that there may be several defenses available to you.

The best way to handle your case is to have an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side who can explain the law and represent you in court. Start the process today by contacting an experienced Arizona criminal defense attorney.