Arkansas Law

§ 5-27-221. Permitting abuse of a child.

(a)(1) A person commits the offense of permitting abuse of a child if, being a parent, guardian, or person legally charged with the care or custody of a child, he recklessly fails to take action to prevent the abuse of a child who is less than eleven (11) years old.

    (2) It is a defense to a prosecution for the offense of permitting abuse of a child if the parent, guardian, or person legally charged with the care or custody of the child takes immediate steps to end the abuse of the child, including prompt notification of medical or law enforcement authorities, upon first knowing or having good reason to know that abuse has occurred.

   (3) Permitting abuse of a child is a Class C felony if the abuse of the child consisted of sexual intercourse or deviate sexual activity, or caused serious physical injury or death to the child.

   (4) Permitting abuse of a child is a Class A misdemeanor if the abuse of the child consisted of sexual contact or caused physical injury to the child.

(b) For the purposes of this section, "abuse" means any physical injury inflicted on a child other than by accidental means or any act that involves sexual molestation or exploitation.

History. Acts 1985, No. 990, §§ 1-3; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 41-2472 - 41-2474; Acts 1993, No. 1126, § 9.