Bill > H0077

This bill amends existing law to revise the definition of "neglected" in the context of child protection. The key changes are: 1) The bill clarifies that a child is not considered "neglected" solely for engaging in independent activities (e.g., walking to school, playing outside, staying home briefly unattended) that are appropriate for the child's age and maturity level. 2) The bill also clarifies that a child is considered "neglected" if the parent's conscious disregard of the child's needs or dangers results in a substantial risk of bodily injury or grave harm to the child. The bill aims to provide more nuanced guidelines for determining neglect and ensure that children are not unnecessarily classified as neglected for reasonable independent activities.

Justice

Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee (House)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2021/legislation/H0077/