Physical Abuse - Citation: Ann. Stat. Tit. 33, § 4912
'Abused or neglected child' means a child whose physical health, psychological growth and development, or welfare is harmed or is at substantial risk of harm by the acts or omissions of his or her parent or other person responsible for the child's welfare.

'Harm' can occur by physical injury.

'Physical injury' means death, permanent or temporary disfigurement, or impairment of any bodily organ or function by other than accidental means.

Neglect - Citation: Ann. Stat. Tit. 33, § 4912
'Harm' can occur by failure to supply the child with adequate food, clothing, shelter, or health care.

Sexual Abuse/Exploitation - Citation: Ann. Stat. Tit. 33, § 4912
The term 'abused or neglected child' includes a child who is sexually abused or at substantial risk of sexual abuse by any person.

'Sexual abuse' consists of an act or acts by any person that involves sexual molestation or exploitation of a child including, but not limited to, incest, prostitution, rape, sodomy, or any lewd and lascivious conduct involving a child.

The term 'sexual abuse' also includes aiding, abetting, counseling, hiring, or procuring a child to perform or participate in any photograph, motion picture, exhibition, show, representation, or other presentation that, in whole or in part, depicts sexual conduct, sexual excitement, or sadomasochistic abuse involving a child.

Emotional Abuse - Citation: Ann. Stat. Tit. 33, § 4912
'Harm' can be caused by emotional maltreatment.

'Emotional maltreatment' means a pattern of malicious behavior that results in a child's impaired psychological growth and development.

Abandonment - Citation: Ann. Stat. Tit. 33, § 4912
'Harm' can be caused by the abandonment of the child.

Standards for Reporting - Citation: Ann. Stat. Tit. 33, § 4913
A report is required when there is reasonable cause to believe that a child has been abused or neglected.

Persons Responsible for the Child - Citation: Ann. Stat. Tit. 33, § 4912
'A person responsible for a child's welfare' includes:

• The child's parent, guardian, or foster parent
• Any other adult residing in the home who serves in a parental role
• An employee of a public or private residential home, institution, or agency
• Any other person responsible for the child's welfare while in a residential, educational, or child care setting, including any staff person

Exceptions - Citation: Ann. Stat. Tit. 33, § 4912
A parent or other person responsible for a child's care legitimately practicing his or her religious beliefs who thereby does not provide specified medical treatment for a child shall not be considered neglectful for that reason alone.