Definitions of Child Abuse and Neglect - Pala Band of Mission Indians

Physical Abuse
Citation: Ordinance 21, Ch. 1, § 3

The term 'abuse' includes the following:

• Willful infliction of physical injury on a child
• Failure to treat a child with reasonable care, including, but not limited to, overworking a child to such an extent that the child's health or emotional well-being is endangered

Neglect
Citation: Ordinance 21, Ch. 1, § 3

'Neglect' means the negligent treatment or maltreatment of a child, whether by act or omission, by a parent, guardian, or custodian. Negligent treatment includes, but is not limited to, the failure to protect, supervise, control, care for, discipline, or provide the necessities of life for a child, including subsistence, education, medical care, or any care or necessities required for a child's safety and physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Sexual Abuse/Exploitation
Citation: Ordinance 21, Ch. 1, § 3

The term 'abuse' includes sexual abuse, sexual assault, or sexual exploitation of a child.

Emotional Abuse
Citation: Ordinance 21, Ch. 1, § 3

The term 'abuse' includes willful infliction of emotional or mental injury on a child.

Abandonment
Citation: Ordinance 21, Ch. 1, § 3

'Abandonment' shall mean the following:

• The intentional failure to contact one's child in person, by telephone, or by letter
• The failure to make provisions for the child's care for an unreasonable amount of time (as determined by the court)
• A voluntary and express declaration (written or oral) by a parent that the parent desires to abandon the child

Standards for Reporting

This issue is not addressed in the Tribal laws reviewed. 

Persons Responsible for the Child
Citation: Ordinance 21, Ch. 1, § 3

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

Exceptions

No exceptions are specified in the Tribal code.