Physical Abuse is defined as any child younger than 18 whose parent, guardian, custodian, or caregiver:

  • Inflicts or allows to be inflicted upon the child a serious physical injury by other than accidental means
  • Creates or allows to be created a substantial risk of serious physical injury to the child by other than accidental means
  • Uses or allows to be used upon the child cruel or grossly inappropriate procedures or cruel and grossly inappropriate devices to modify behavior

Sexual Abuse is defined as any child younger than 18 whose parent, guardian, custodian, or caregiver commits, permits, or encourages the commission of a violation of the following laws regarding sexual offenses by, with, or upon the child:

  • First and second degree rape or sexual offense
  • Rape of a child by an adult offender
  • Sexual act by a custodian
  • Crime against nature or incest
  • Preparation of obscene photographs, slides, or motion pictures of the child
  • Employing or permitting the child to assist in a violation of the obscenity laws
  • Dissemination of obscene material to the child
  • Displaying or disseminating material harmful to the child
  • First and second degree sexual exploitation of the child
  • Promoting the prostitution of the child
  • Taking indecent liberties with the child
Emotional Abuse is defined by any child younger than 18 years whose parent, guardian, custodian, or caregivers creates or allows to be created serious emotional damage to the child. Serious emotional damage is evidenced by a child’s severe anxiety, depression, withdrawal, or aggressive behavior toward himself or others.

                                    Neglected juvenile – Any juvenile less than 18 years of age

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  • Who is found to be a minor victim of human trafficking under G.S. 14‑43.15.
  • Who does not receive proper care, supervision, or discipline from his or her parent, guardian, custodian, or caregiver.
  • Has abandoned the juvenile, except where that juvenile is a safely surrendered infant. To learn more about Safe Surrender, click this link NC DHHS: Safe Surrender (Surrender Newborns Safely)
  • Has not provided or arranged for the provision of necessary medical or remedial care.
  • Whose parent, guardian, or custodian has refused to follow the recommendations of the Juvenile and Family Team made pursuant to Article 27A of this Chapter.
  • Whose parent, guardian, or custodian creates or allows to be created a living environment that is injurious to the juvenile's welfare.
  • Whose parent, guardian, or custodian has participated or attempted to participate in the unlawful transfer of custody of the juvenile under G.S.14‑321.2.
  • Whose parent, guardian, or custodian has placed the juvenile for care or adoption in violation of law.
  • In determining whether a juvenile is a neglected juvenile, it is relevant whether that juvenile lives in a home where another juvenile has died as a result of suspected abuse or neglect or lives in a home where another juvenile has been subjected to abuse or neglect by an adult who regularly lives in the home.