CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT DEFINITIONS

Section 63.1-248.2 of the code of Virginia defines an abused or neglected child as any child under 18 whose parent, or other person responsible for the care of the child:

• Causes or threatens to cause a non-accidental physical or mental injury;

• Neglects or refuses to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, emotional nurturing, or health care;

• Abandons the child;

• Fails to provide adequate supervision in relation to the child’s age and level of development; and

• Commits or allows to be committed any illegal sexual act upon a child, including incest, rape, fondling, indecent exposure, prostitution, or allows a child to be used in any sexually explicit visual material.

Infants who have been medically diagnosed for exposure to non-prescription drugs or alcohol during pregnancy are also considered to be at risk of abuse or neglect.  Attending physicians are required to report these cases to CPS.