Child abandonment laws vary from state to state. Many states include child abandonment within its child abuse laws and vice versa, while some states have laws specifically targeting the act of child abandonment.Most states classify child abandonment as a felony, which may include situations where a parent or guardian physically abandons a child in any place with the intent of relinquishing all rights and responsibilities to the child.Other states classify child abandonment as a misdemeanor (with lesser penalties), including situations that involve non-physical acts of abandonment.In general, child abandonment occurs when:A parent, guardian, or other person having physical custody or control of a childWithout regard for the mental or physical health, safety, or welfare of the childKnowing leaves a child (typically under the age of 13) without supervision by a responsible person (typically over the age of 14), orFails to maintain contact with the child or provide reasonable support For a specified period of timeIn the criminal context, child abandonment is defined as physically abandoning a child, but may also include emotional abandonment such as failing to provide the necessary needs to a child. For example, in some states, a parent may be guilty of abandonment if they fail to provide necessary clothing, food, shelter or medical care for their child. In other states, however, parents are only punished for deserting a child with the intention to abandon. - See more at: http://criminal.findlaw.com/criminal-charges/child-abandonment.html#sthash.jkRAXyzv.dpuf