In such circumstances it may be difficult for a parent to regain custody. A. A power of attorney or other authorizing document is generally acceptable to allow a surrogate to make decisions regarding medical care, education and the childs welfare during the parents absence. A. A parent can use appropriate discipline in raising their child. What is appropriate may become a legal issue if it appears that the discipline borders on abuse. The law protects children from abuse and neglect.
All states have parental child abuse and neglect laws.
Neglect is generally considered to be failure to provide the child with adequate food, shelter, supervision and education. Generally, abuse refers to situations where the supervising adult intentionally physically harms the child, although it can include the infliction of emotional distress as well. Many states allow abuse claims to be filed years after the event took place. Some states make parents financially responsible for damage caused by their children. Usually a parent is not liable for the negligent acts of the child unless the child is acting under the parents direction or control.