Q: Is not bathing a child properly a form of abuse; to which that child constantly has bad skin rashes
A:
The Florida Statutes state: "'Neglect' occurs when a child is deprived of, or is allowed to be deprived of, necessary food, clothing, shelter, or medical treatment or a child is permitted to live in an environment when such deprivation or environment causes a child's physical, mental, or emotional health to be significantly impaired or to be in danger of being significantly impaired."
Furthermore, "abuse" is defined as, "any willful act or threatened act that results in any physical, mental, or sexual injury or harm that causes or is likely to cause the child¿s physical, mental, or emotional health to be significantly impaired. Abuse of a child includes acts or omissions."
Depriving a child of proper hygiene, whether willful or negligent, to the point that the child's health is compromised is child abuse under § 39.01 Fla. Stat.
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