Suburban Law Enforcement Academy (SLEA) BA State Certification Practice Exam

Child abandonment applies when the child is under what age?

1. 10 years old

2. 13 years old

3. 15 years old

4. 12 years old

The correct answer is: 13 years old

Child abandonment is a serious issue that generally refers to the act of leaving a child without appropriate care, supervision, or support. The specific age at which child abandonment laws apply can vary by jurisdiction, but many places consider that a child who is typically under 13 years of age is at a higher risk for abandonment, as this age reflects the developmental stages where children are still dependent on adults for care and support. In this context, recognizing that a child under 13 may not have the ability to care for themselves or understand the implications of being left unattended helps underscore the rationale behind the laws governing child abandonment. Jurisdictions often aim to ensure that children are safeguarded from neglect and harm, making the threshold lower for legal ramifications regarding abandonment. This is why identifying the age of 13 as a relevant marker aligns with protective measures for children's welfare.