Definitions of Child Abuse and Neglect - Connecticut

Physical Abuse
Citation: Gen. Stat. § 46b-120

The term 'abused' means that any of the following applies to a child:

• Has been inflicted with physical injury or injuries by other than accidental means
• Has injuries that are at variance with the history given of them
• Is in a condition that is the result of maltreatment, including, but not limited to, malnutrition, sexual molestation or exploitation, deprivation of necessities, emotional maltreatment, or cruel punishment 

Neglect
Citation: Gen. Stat. § 46b-120

A child may be found 'neglected' who, for reasons other than being impoverished, has experienced any of the following:

• Has been abandoned
• Is being denied proper physical, educational, emotional, or moral care and attention
• Is being permitted to live under conditions, circumstances, or associations injurious to the well-being of the child

A child may be found 'uncared for' who is homeless; whose home cannot provide the specialized care that the physical, emotional, or mental condition of the child requires; or who has been identified as a victim of trafficking, as defined in § 46a-170. 

Sexual Abuse/Exploitation
Citation: Gen. Stat. § 46b-120

The term 'abuse' includes sexual molestation or exploitation. 

Emotional Abuse
Citation: Gen. Stat. § 46b-120

The term 'abuse' includes emotional maltreatment. 

Abandonment
Citation: Gen. Stat. § 46b-120

A child may be found 'neglected' who has been abandoned. 

Standards for Reporting
Citation: Gen. Stat. § 17a-101a

A report is required when a mandatory reporter, in the ordinary course of their employment or profession, has reasonable cause to suspect or believe that any child under age 18 has been subjected to any of the following:

• Has been abused or neglected
• Has had a nonaccidental physical injury or an injury that is at variance with the history given of such injury
• Is placed at imminent risk of serious harm

Persons Responsible for the Child
Citation: Gen. Stat. §§ 46b-120; 17a-93

Responsible persons include the child's parents or guardian. 

'Person responsible for the health, welfare, or care of a child or youth’ means a child's or a youth's parent, guardian, or foster parent; an employee of a public or private residential home, agency, or institution; other person legally responsible in a residential setting; or any staff person providing out-of-home care, such as the provision of child care services, in a child care center, group child care home or family child care home.

Exceptions
Citation: Gen. Stat. § 46b-120

The treatment of any child by an accredited Christian Science practitioner, in lieu of treatment by a licensed practitioner of the healing arts, shall not of itself constitute neglect or maltreatment.