Definitions of Child Abuse and Neglect Maryland
Standard
Harmed or substantial risk of being harmed
Exemption
Not addressed in statutes reviewed
Categories of Maltreatment Defined in Statute
Physical abuse
Neglect
Sexual abuse
Sexual exploitation
Emotional/mental injury
Categories of Maltreatment Not Defined in Statute
Abandonment
DEFINITIONS
Md. Code Ann. Fam. Law § 5-701 (Lexis, WESTLAW through 2003 Reg. Sess.)
'Abuse' means:
The physical or mental injury of a child by any parent or other person who has permanent or temporary care or custody or responsibility for supervision of a child, or by any household or family member, under circumstances that indicate that the child's health or welfare is harmed or at substantial risk of being harmed; or
Sexual abuse of a child, whether physical injuries are sustained or not.
'Child' means any individual under the age of 18 years.
'Family member' means a relative by blood, adoption, or marriage of a child.
'Mental injury' means the observable, identifiable, and substantial impairment of a child's mental or psychological ability to function.
'Neglect' means the leaving of a child unattended or other failure to give proper care and attention to a child by any parent or other person who has permanent or temporary care or custody or responsibility for supervision of the child under circumstances that indicate:
That the child's health or welfare is harmed or placed at substantial risk of harm; or
Mental injury to the child or a substantial risk of mental injury.
'Sexual abuse' means any act that involves sexual molestation or exploitation of a child by a parent or other person who has permanent or temporary care or custody or responsibility for supervision of a child, or by any household or family member.
Sexual abuse' includes:
Incest, rape, or sexual offense in any degree;
Sodomy; and
Unnatural or perverted sexual practices.
