who is considered a child?
Hey guys! Just because you are a teen does not mean you are not a child. You still are and these laws apply to you as well. As a matter of fact, any one who is under the age of 18 could be a victim of child abuse.
Many people do not understand exactly what child abuse and neglect is and without knowing, they could be neglecting or abusing their child. Sounds bizzare but it is true. The legal definition of child abuse and neglect is as follows: "Any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation; or an act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm." It is stated that this law mainly refers to children being abused by their parents or their caregivers, but does not include other people.
https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/whatiscan.pdf#page=1&view=Introduction
What is child abuse & neglect?