Nebraska Definitions of Child Abuse and Neglect

Physical Abuse - Citation: Rev. Stat. § 28-710:
'Child abuse or neglect' means knowingly, intentionally, or negligently causing, or permitting a minor child to be placed in a situation that endangers his or her life or physical health, or causes or permits a child to be cruelly confined or cruelly punished.

Neglect - Citation: Rev. Stat. § 28-710
'Child abuse or neglect' means knowingly, intentionally, or negligently causing or permitting a minor child to be deprived of necessary food, clothing, shelter, or care or causing or permitting a child age 6 or younger to be left unattended in a motor vehicle.

Sexual Abuse/Exploitation - Citation: Rev. Stat. § 28-710
The term 'child abuse or neglect' includes knowingly, intentionally, or negligently causing or permitting a minor child to be:
  • Sexually abused
  • Sexually exploited by allowing, encouraging, or forcing the child to solicit for or engage in prostitution, debauchery, public indecency, or obscene or pornographic photography, films, or depictions

Emotional Abuse - Citation: Rev. Stat. § 28-710
The term 'child abuse or neglect' includes knowingly, intentionally, or negligently causing or permitting a minor child to be placed in a situation that endangers his or her mental health.

Abandonment - Citation: Rev. Stat. § 28-705(3)
When a person abandons and neglects to provide for his or her child or dependent stepchild for 3 consecutive months or more, it shall be prima facie evidence of intent to commit abandonment of a child or dependent stepchild.

Standards for Reporting - Citation: Rev. Stat. § 28-711
A report is required when there is reasonable cause to believe that a child has been subjected to abuse or neglect.

Persons Responsible for the Child - Citation: Rev. Stat. § 28-710
A report must be made when any person is responsible for the abuse or neglect of a child.

Exceptions
No exceptions are specified in statute.