Physical Abuse: Citation: Ann. Stat. § 38-2202
'Physical, mental, or emotional abuse' means the infliction of physical, mental, or emotional harm, or the causing of a deterioration of a child, and may include, but shall not be limited to, maltreatment or exploiting a child to the extent that the child's health or emotional well-being is endangered.

Neglect: Citation: Ann. Stat. § 38-2202
'Neglect' means acts or omissions by a parent, guardian, or person responsible for the care of a child that results in harm to a child or presents a likelihood of harm, and the acts or omissions are not due solely to the lack of financial means of the child's parents or other custodian. Neglect may include but shall not be limited to:

• Failure to provide the child with food, clothing, or shelter necessary to sustain life or health
• Failure to provide adequate supervision of a child or to remove a child from a situation that requires judgment or actions beyond the child's level of maturity, physical condition, or mental abilities and that results in bodily injury or a likelihood of harm to the child
• Failure to use resources available to treat a diagnosed medical condition if such treatment will make a child substantially more comfortable, reduce pain and suffering, or correct or substantially diminish a crippling condition from worsening

Sexual Abuse/Exploitation: Citation: Ann. Stat. § 38-2202
'Sexual abuse' means any contact or interaction with a child in which the child is being used for the sexual stimulation of the perpetrator, the child, or another person. Sexual abuse includes allowing, permitting, or encouraging a child to engage in prostitution or to be photographed, filmed, or depicted in pornographic material.

Emotional Abuse: Citation: Ann. Stat. § 38-2202
The term 'physical, mental, or emotional abuse' includes the infliction of physical, mental, or emotional harm or the causing of a deterioration of a child and may include, but is not limited to, maltreatment or exploiting a child to the extent that the child's health or emotional well-being is endangered.

Abandonment: Citation: Ann. Stat. § 38-2202
'Abandon' or 'abandonment' means to forsake, desert, or cease providing care for the child without making appropriate provisions for substitute care.

Standards for Reporting: Citation: Ann. Stat. § 38-2223
A report is required when there is reason to suspect that a child has been harmed as a result of physical, mental, or emotional abuse or neglect or sexual abuse.

Persons Responsible for the Child: Citation: Ann. Stat. § 38-2202
'Parent,' when used in relation to a child or children, includes a guardian and every person who is by law liable to maintain, care for, or support the child.

Exceptions: Citation: Ann. Stat. § 38-2202
A parent legitimately practicing religious beliefs who does not provide specified medical treatment for a child because of religious beliefs shall not for that reason be considered a negligent parent. This exception shall not preclude a court from ordering medical treatment for the child.