Idaho Tightens Child Neglect Definitions
Idaho's HB 691 narrows the definition of child neglect, requiring evidence of actual harm, but educational neglect definitions remain unchanged.
The bill aimed to narrow the definition of child neglect to align more closely with the federal definition. This change sought to reduce the number of cases reported to Child Protective Services (CPS) by focusing resources on children facing actual harm. The existing Idaho law defined neglect broadly as a child "without proper parental care and control". HB 691 proposed a stricter definition, requiring evidence of "death, physical or emotional harm, physical or sexual abuse or exploitation" or imminent risk thereof. Despite these proposed changes to the definition of neglect, the definition of educational neglect remains unchanged. This means the standard for a child "who is without proper education" as defined by Idaho Code 3320 will remain the same.
