Physical Abuse: Citation: Ann. Stat. § 210.110
'Abuse' means any physical injury inflicted on a child by other than accidental means by those responsible for the child's care, custody, and control.

Neglect: Citation: Ann. Stat. § 210.110
'Neglect' means failure to provide, by those responsible for the care, custody, and control of the child, proper or necessary support; education as required by law; nutrition; or medical, surgical, or any other care necessary for the child's well-being.

Sexual Abuse/Exploitation: Citation: Ann. Stat. § 210.110
The term 'abuse' includes sexual abuse.

Emotional Abuse: Citation: Ann. Stat. § 210.110
The term 'abuse' includes emotional abuse inflicted on a child by those responsible for the child's care, custody, and control.

Abandonment:
This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed.

Standards for Reporting: Citation: Ann. Stat. § 210.115
A report is required when there is reasonable cause to suspect that a child has been or may be subjected to abuse or neglect.

Persons Responsible for the Child: Citation: Ann. Stat. § 210.110
The term 'those responsible for the care, custody, and control of the child' includes, but is not limited to:

• The parents or guardian of a child
• Other members of the child's household
• Anyone exercising supervision over a child for any part of a 24-hour day
• Any adult who has access to the child, based on a relationship to the parents of the child, members of the child's household, or the family

Exceptions: Citation: Ann. Stat. §§ 210.110; 210.115
Discipline, including spanking, administered in a reasonable manner, shall not be considered abuse.

A child who does not receive specified medical treatment by reason of the legitimate practice of the religious belief of the child's parents, guardian, or others legally responsible for the child, for that reason alone, shall not be found to be an abused or neglected child.

• The division may accept reports concerning such a child and may subsequently investigate or conduct a family assessment as a result of that report.
• This exception shall not limit the administrative or judicial authority of the State to ensure that medical services are provided to the child when the child's health requires it.