What is the legal definition of child abandonment for the state of Minnesota?
Child abandonment falls under states’ statutes regarding child abuse and neglect. Overall, a child is thought to be abandoned when the parent’s identity or location are undetermined, the child has been placed in an unsafe situation or the parent has not provided or been in care of the child for an allotted amount of time.Local County AgenciesIn Minnesota, child abandonment is determined by local county agencies under the state’s stipulations of child abuse and neglect. The agency will also address whether the termination of parental rights is called for.Determination of AbandonmentIn Minnesota, a child is considered abandoned when it is clear protection is needed because the child does not have a legal guardian, according to Child Welfare Information Gateway.DefinitionRecommended Minnesota Child Maltreatment Screening Guidelines claim child abandonment is determined when a legal guardian has not been in the child’s life for six months. During those six months, the parent has not provid
