Which action is included in statutes relating to child neglect?

• A. Abandonment of a child
• B. Encouraging the child to play outside
• C. Providing a video game
• D. Helping with chores

Answer: (A)

The action being tested is how neglect is defined in statutes: abandonment of a child is considered a form of neglect because it involves leaving a child without adequate care or supervision, putting the child at risk. Abandonment shows a caregiver's failure to provide the necessary guardianship and safety a child needs.

Encouraging a child to play outside, providing a video game, or helping with chores are normal aspects of caring for a child and do not constitute neglect on their own. They only become neglect if they fail to meet the child’s essential needs or safety requirements, which abandonment clearly does.