Child Abuse and California Law

Posted on June 12, 2008
Filed Under Child Abuse, Criminal Law, Felonies, Law, Laws, Story |

In 2006, according to a report by the California Department of Social Services, 140 children died in the state as a result of abuse or neglect.  In fact, there were over 450,000 reported cases of abuse in California that year.  In 2005, 3.3 million cases of abuse were reported to Child Protective Services throughout the United States.  Child abuse is a serious issue, and the laws have serious consequences.  In fact, the recent polygamy case in Texas involved some suspected instances of child abuse and all the children of that community were taken away from their parents by the attorney handling the case.

According to state law, the following count as child abuse in a court of law:

  • Physical abuse; unlawful corporal punishment or injury.
  • General and severe neglect.
  • Sexual abuse; sexual assault; exploitation.
  • Willful harming or endangering a child; emotional maltreatment.

    • Individuals can be held responsible not only for abusing or neglecting children, but for failing to report neglect or abuse, especially if that individual is employed by the state or in a position of protection of the child, such as babysitter.

    Severe child abuse can result in a felony charge and conviction, and can carry prison time, fines, classes and rehabilitation to deal with the abuser’s anger and more.  In many cases, the abuser, if a parent or guardian, can have that child taken away from them for a period of time, or permanently. 

    Written by Joe M

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