Definitions of Child Abuse and Neglect - Nebraska

Physical Abuse

Citation: Rev. Stat. § 28-710

'Child abuse or neglect' means knowingly, intentionally, or negligently causing or permitting a minor child to be placed in a situation that endangers their life or physical health or causes or permits a child to be cruelly confined or cruelly punished.

Neglect

Citation: Rev. Stat. § 28-710

'Child abuse or neglect' means knowingly, intentionally, or negligently causing or permitting a minor child to be deprived of necessary food, clothing, shelter, or care or causing or permitting a child aged 6 or younger to be left unattended in a motor vehicle.

Sexual Abuse/Exploitation

Citation: Rev. Stat. § 28-710

The term 'child abuse or neglect' includes knowingly, intentionally, or negligently causing or permitting a minor child to be any of the following:

• Placed in a situation to be sexually abused
• Placed in a situation to be sexually exploited through sex trafficking of a minor or by allowing, encouraging, or forcing the child to solicit for or engage in prostitution, debauchery, public indecency, or obscene or pornographic photography, films, or depictions
• Placed in a situation to be a trafficking victim, as defined in § 28-830

Emotional Abuse

Citation: Rev. Stat. § 28-710

The term 'child abuse or neglect' includes knowingly, intentionally, or negligently causing or permitting a minor child to be placed in a situation that endangers their mental health.

Abandonment

Citation: Rev. Stat. § 28-705(3)

When a person abandons and neglects to provide for their child or dependent stepchild for 3 consecutive months or more, it shall be prima facie evidence of intent to commit abandonment of a child or dependent stepchild.

Standards for Reporting

Citation: Rev. Stat. § 28-711

A report is required when a mandatory reporter or any other person has reasonable cause to believe that a child has been subjected to child abuse or neglect or observes such child being subjected to conditions or circumstances that reasonably would result in child abuse or neglect.

Persons Responsible for the Child

Citation: Rev. Stat. § 28-710

A report must be made when any person is responsible for the abuse or neglect of a child.

Exceptions

No exceptions are specified in statute.