Arkansas’ Criminal Code provides that it is child endangerment to create a serious risk of death or serious physical injury. The degree of the crime turns on the extent of the harm the person caused. This statement doesn’t specifically list lack of supervision as a crime, but putting a child at a “risk of danger” could be subject to charges under this statute. A.C.A. §5-27-206. Another section makes “endangering the welfare of a minor” a Class B misdemeanor. A.C.A. §5-27-207.
Arkansas law (A.C.A. §9-30-103(4) provides that neglect is failure to provide necessary and proper support. § 12-18-103 (viii) treats neglect as the “Failure to appropriately supervise the child that results in the child’s being placed in:
On a positive note, the Arkansas’ Juvenile Court Act contains a preamble/purpose statement which is the Let Grow Model Law, though this law is not enforced through changes in the actual operative definition of neglect.
This webpage is not a legal document, and Let Grow does not take responsibility for the content. Be mindful that some localities have rules and guidelines even when the state does not. When in doubt, consult your local authorities to confirm the laws where you live. What’s more, laws change, as do judicial interpretations of them, and this webpage may not be updated immediately.
Right now, most states’ neglect laws are incredibly open-ended. They say things like, “Parent must provide proper supervision.” We agree! But people have different ideas of what that entails. Select a state below to learn more about their laws, policies and how Let Grow is helping.