What's considered parental abuse? Is locking a child (at any age) outside in extreme heat/cold, for well over an hour without proper means considered abuse? What draws the line? And where?

I think the very nature of your question answers itself. There is pain and anger in your question and I think you already know the answer. Sometimes a parent (or child) has to rely on his/her instinct. If it just doesn't seem right, listen to that instinct. I tell my kids that they have to listen to that voice in their heads that tells them something doesn't seem right. If anyone is being treated in such a way that makes you uneasy, angry or ashamed, you need to tell someone. Find someone who can confirm your feelings.

Where I live, leaving a kid outside for that long has actually resulted in serious injuries and even deaths. And I would think locking kids outside or otherwise forcing them to remain out in severe weather for any length of time is very questionable. When in doubt, ask Child Protective Services, a court-appointed special advocate (CASA) who specializes in child abuse cases, or even just your local law enforcement.

Anytime you lock a child of any age or even an adult outside in extreme weather without the proper clothing inability to access shelter, a heater or a cooler then yes, it would be considered abuse. And it does not matter where it happens, it matters that it happens.

I have worked with programs designed to prevent child abuse and other forms of abuse for all ages and genders for over 20 years and will list some signs and indications of abuse here. But first, to answer... keep reading →

Everyone has a different understanding of child abuse, some vague and others more specific. The definition of what's legally considered child abuse varies from state to state. Overall, most states will agree... keep reading →

Locking a child outside in the cold is definitely parental abuse. For anyone to do such to a child , they most definitely need help to raise their child. I will not condemn them for being ignorant of the... keep reading →