What Constitutes Child Abuse and Neglect in New York?

If you’ve been accused of child abuse or neglect, or suspect someone of abusing a child, contacting a child abuse attorney should be your first course of action. An attorney understands the justice system and can offer knowledgeable insight into your situation. The state of New York has an intricate definition of what constitutes child abuse and neglect, and it is wise to consult an attorney who is well-versed in this sensitive subject.

What Constitutes Child Abuse and Neglect in Forest Hills, NY?

The New York City Administration for Children’s Services defines child abuse or neglect as the action or inaction of a parent or caretaker that results in serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse, exploitation, or death of a child under the age of 18.

Signs of Child Abuse

Physical child abuse can happen when a parent, guardian, or caretaker inflicts or allows another to inflict physical injury to a child intentionally. There are several scenarios that are considered abuse of a child, such as shaking, kicking, beating, punching, biting, or burning a child. Physical child abuse also includes situations where a parent or caretaker creates or allows to be created a scenario that leads to a child incurring serious physical injury.

Child sexual abuse consists of any act that exposes a child to sexual activity. This includes but is not limited to incest, rape, intercourse, fondling a child’s genitals, and sodomy. Prostitution and production of pornography involving a minor also fall under this category.

Signs of Child Neglect

Child neglect consists of a parent, guardian, or caretaker failing to provide a child with what is necessary for the child to survive. This category includes failing to provide food, clothing, shelter, medical care, and proper supervision to a degree that the child’s health and safety are at risk. This category also includes using corporal punishment to a degree that is beyond what is objectionably accepted, and the punishment results in physical or emotional harm.

What is considered child neglect in New York focuses on the lack of health, safety, and well-being of a child. Examples of this include, but are not limited to, depriving a child of necessary education, not following up with a child’s educational provider even after the school has contacted the parent or caretaker, failing to provide proper food, clothing, and shelter, and subjecting a child to humiliation or extreme criticism.

When to Consult an Attorney

If you are facing allegations of child abuse in New York or suspect someone you know is abusing a child, it is best to consult an attorney. An experienced attorney and their legal team will be well-equipped to do what it takes to protect a wrongly accused individual or the rights of the affected children.

Contact The Law Offices of Joseph H. Nivin, P.C. in Queens, NY, for your free consultation today. Our dedicated legal team is well-acquainted with the New York justice system and is prepared to do what it takes to protect the rights of the children of the Forest Hills community.

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