(a) Cruelty to children in the first degree is committed by a parent, guardian, or other person supervising the welfare of or having immediate charge or custody of a child under the age of 18 when such person willfully deprives the child of necessary sustenance to the extent that the child's health or well-being deteriorates. The term also includes any person who abuses a child under the age of 18 by severely beating him or her. All forms of cruelty to children are serious matters and should be reported to a law enforcement agency immediately. However, not all acts of cruelty are criminal offenses. For example, if a child refuses to eat because he or she is grieving the loss of a loved one, then this would be considered medical neglect rather than cruelty to children. Medical professionals may be able to advise parents on how to help their children through difficult circumstances. In addition, some actions by parents or guardians may result in civil charges rather than criminal proceedings. For example, if a parent or guardian fails to provide the necessities of life for a young child (e.g., food, shelter, safety), then this could give rise to a protective proceeding before a juvenile court. Alternatively, if the conduct of the parent or guardian causes physical or emotional harm to the child (i.e., abuse), then this would be subject to criminal prosecution. Parents have a fundamental right to raise their children as they see fit.