The desertion or abandonment of a child is anything from not providing proper food or clothing for a child all the way to actually leaving the child completely without any intention for care. Child desertion and abandonment are very serious offenses and are looked on with distain and sadness. Different states define what child desertion and abandonment mean, but generally speaking all states and federal laws have some form of legal action required.
Laws on Child Abandonment
Since each state is slightly different on the way they define child desertion or abandonment, the laws are not universal for all cases. A breakdown on some of the different kinds laws and their sentences are as follows:
- Failure to provide for a child’s needs: not providing necessary food and clothing - can result in some states with fines up to $2,000 and/or up to 1 year in prison.
- Abandonment and desertion: having the ability to care for your child and yet abandoning them – can result in fines and/or imprisonment.
- Child endangerment: anything that may endanger a child’s life and health – can result in fines and/or imprisonment.
Exceptions to Locations of "Abandonment"
Because of the large amount of abandonment cases involving young children and babies, many states have established something called a safe haven law. This law allows parents to leave or abandon their child at a designated location such as a Firehouse, Hospital, and a Child service center.
There are limitations as to the child’s age for when it is legal for the safe haven law to be applied. States vary the period acceptable from 72 hours after the child’s birth up to the child’s first birthday.
Filing and Reporting Child Abandonment
It can be challenging to prove a case of child endangerment, desertion, or abandonment, because the words are used differently in each state. If you believe that you have witnessed a case of abandonment or other serious case of parental negligent, it is important to file a report for the protection of the child.
Hiring a Child Lawyer to Prosecute or Defend a Charge
Whether you are the parent of a child who was taken from you wrongful because of supposed neglect or a concerned citizen who fears for the life of an endangered or abandoned child, it is vital that legal assistance is sought. A lawyer who specializes in dealing with cases involving children can help make sure that the child in question is safe and cared for properly.
