What is considered abuse and neglect in Minnesota?

Neglect

Neglect is the most common form of maltreatment. It is usually a failure of a child's caregiver to:

• Provide needed food, clothing, shelter, medical or mental health care, education or appropriate supervision
• Protect a child from conditions or actions that endanger the child
• Take steps to ensure that a child is educated as required by law.

The following also may be considered neglect:

• Exposing a child to certain drugs during pregnancy
• Causing emotional harm to a child.

Physical abuse

This is when a caregiver causes any physical injury, or threatens harm or substantial injury, on a child other than by accident. Physical abuse can range from minor bruises to severe internal injuries and death.

Mental injury

This is harm to a child's psychological capacity or emotional stability evidenced by an observable and substantial impairment of a child's functioning.

Sexual abuse

This is when a child is a victim of a criminal sexual act or threatened act committed by:

• A person responsible for a child's care
• A person who has a significant relationship to a child
• A person in a position of authority.