Definitions of Child Abuse and Neglect Connecticut

Statute: §§ 46b-120(1)-(2),(4),(8)-(9),(10); 17a-104

Standard
Inflicted injuries by non-accidental means

Exemption
Christian Science treatment

Categories of Maltreatment Defined in Statute

Physical abuse

Neglect

Sexual abuse

Sexual exploitation

Emotional/mental injury

Abandonment

Categories of Maltreatment Not Defined in Statute

DEFINITIONS

Conn. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 46b-120(1)-(2), (4), (9)-(10) (West, WESTLAW through 1-1-01)

'Child' means any person under 16 years of age.

'Youth' means any person 16 to 18 years of age.

'Abused' means that a child or youth:

Has been inflicted with physical injury or injuries other than by accidental means, or

Has injuries which are at variance with the history given of them, or

Is in a condition which is the result of maltreatment such as, but not limited to: malnutrition, sexual molestation or exploitation, deprivation of necessities, emotional maltreatment, or cruel punishment.

'Neglected' child or youth is one who:

Has been abandoned, or

Is being denied proper care and attention, physically, educationally, emotionally or morally, or

Is being permitted to live under conditions, circumstances or associations injurious to the well-being of the child or youth, or

Has been abused.

'Uncared for' child or youth is one:

Who is homeless, or

Whose home cannot provide the specialized care which the physical, emotional or mental condition of the child requires.

EXCEPTION

Conn. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 46b-120(10) (West, WESTLAW through 1-1-01)

For the purposes of this section, the treatment of any child by an accredited Christian Science practitioner in lieu of treatment by a licensed practitioner of the healing arts, shall not of itself constitute neglect or maltreatment.