What is the definition of "abuse" pursuant to Maryland state law?

The definition of "abuse" under Maryland state law specifically encompasses actions that result in physical or mental injury to a child. This definition is crucial in the context of child welfare and protection, as it highlights the direct harm that can be inflicted on a child's well-being. The law is designed to safeguard children from not just physical harm but also psychological harm, as both can have profound impacts on a child's development and overall health.

This understanding of abuse is significant in the framework of counseling and social services, where the prevention, identification, and reporting of such harm are vital responsibilities. Instances of abuse may include behaviors such as hitting, excessive disciplining, verbal abuse, and other forms of maltreatment that can leave lasting effects on a child's mental and emotional health. Thus, recognizing that abuse includes both physical and mental injuries allows counselors and mandated reporters to intervene appropriately and take necessary actions to protect the child.

The other options revolve around different aspects of child welfare but do not fit the strict definition of abuse. For instance, failure to provide adequate nutrition and inadequate medical attention, while serious and potentially harmful, fall under neglect rather than abuse. Neglect of a child’s education also relates more directly to neglect, indicating a failure to meet a child's basic educational needs rather