How does a judge determine whether a parent has abused or neglected his child?
A court’s decision about whether a parent has abused or neglected his or her child depends on the individual facts of each case. The findings of child abuse and neglect are often based on physical injuries caused a child. Moreover, the findings can also be based on severe emotional harm. Even if you have not harmed your child, the court still might find that you have abused or neglected your child because the child may be exposed to a risk of serious harm in your care. The court can decide that drug or alcohol abuse by a parent constitutes neglect if the parent cannot provide proper care for the child. Many courts have found child neglect when parents have failed to protect a child from someone they should have known would harm the child. Leaving children alone can also be considered child neglect. 9. How does DYFS starts an abuse or neglect case? When DYFS files a child abuse or neglect case against you, you will receive a copy of court papers called an order to show cause and a compl
