Definitions of Child Abuse and Neglect - Mashpee Wampanoag Nation

Physical Abuse
Citation: 2018-ORD-013, § 5

'Abuse' means the infliction of physical or mental injury on a child, including failure to maintain reasonable care and treatment.

'Imminent physical damage or harm' means present or impending risk of serious bodily injury or death that will result in severe harm if safety intervention does not occur.

Neglect
Citation: 2018-ORD-013, § 5

'Neglect' means failure of the parent, guardian, or custodian to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, medical care, education, or supervision for the child's health and well-being. Neglect shall include abandoned children.

Sexual Abuse/Exploitation
Citation: 2018-ORD-013, § 5

'Abuse' means the infliction of sexual abuse or sexual exploitation of a child. 

Emotional Abuse
Citation: 2018-ORD-013, § 5

'Abuse' means the infliction of emotional or mental injury on a child, including inflicting verbal or psychological abuse, that may result in deep and lasting trauma or exploiting or overworking a child to such an extent that their health, moods, or emotional well-being is endangered.

Abandonment
Citation: 2018-ORD-013, § 5

'Abandon' means the failure of the parent, guardian, or custodian to provide reasonable support and maintain appropriate contact with a child. Failure to maintain a normal relationship with a child without just cause for 6 months shall constitute prima facie evidence of abandonment. 

Standards for Reporting
Citation: 2018-ORD-013, § 7

A report is required when any person knows or has reasonable suspicion that a child has been abused, neglected, or abandoned or that actions are being taken or are going to be taken that would reasonably be expected to result in abuse, neglect, or abandonment.

Persons Responsible for the Child
Citation: 2018-ORD-013, § 5 

'Persons responsible for the child' include the child's parent, guardian, or custodian.

Exceptions
Citation: 2018-ORD-013, § 5

Custody with a relative or voluntary consent to placement does not constitute abandonment.