New York Legal Definitions for Abuse, Maltreatment, and Neglect (New York State Family Court Act) The New York State government has established a legal obligation of mandated reporters to intervene if there is evidence or suspicion of abuse, maltreatment, or neglect of a child less than 18 years of age. For the diagnosis of child abuse to be made, healthcare providers need to maintain a high index of suspicion. There are significant morbidity and mortality associated with child abuse due to a child's inability to protect themselves. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines child abuse and child maltreatment as "all forms of physical and/or emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse, neglect or negligent treatment or commercial or other exploitation, resulting in actual or potential harm to the child's health, survival, development or dignity in the context of a relationship of responsibility, trust or power."