Legal Definitions - neglect hearing

A neglect hearing is a type of judicial hearing that deals with situations where a child has not been properly cared for by a parent or legal guardian. The purpose of the hearing is to determine if the parent or guardian is civilly responsible for the neglect and if the child should be placed in foster care or if parental rights should be terminated.

For example, if a child is found to be malnourished or living in unsanitary conditions, a neglect hearing may be held to determine if the parent or guardian is responsible for the neglect and if the child should be removed from their care.

Another example is if a child is left alone for extended periods of time or is not receiving proper medical care, a neglect hearing may be held to determine if the parent or guardian is responsible for the neglect and if the child should be placed in foster care.