Bill > AB1566

This bill, by recasting the definition of "severe neglect" under California's Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act, aims to clarify the circumstances under which a child is considered severely neglected. Mandated reporters, such as teachers and social workers, are legally obligated to report suspected child abuse or neglect. The bill specifically modifies the definition of "severe neglect" to include situations where a caregiver willfully causes or permits a child to suffer serious illness or injury, or even death, or places the child at imminent risk of these outcomes, which encompasses the intentional failure to provide essential needs like food, clothing, shelter, or medical care. This change is significant because it broadens the scope of what constitutes severe neglect, potentially impacting reporting requirements and legal consequences for those responsible for a child's welfare.

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https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1566