Definitions Relative to the Juvenile Code; definition of neglect and to provide for new definitions

Legal protections for parents allowing child independence

Beginning July 1, 2025, Georgia protects legal custodians who allow children to do activities without direct adult supervision. Examples include playing alone, walking to school, running errands, or visiting local facilities. This is not neglect when the custodian reasonably believes the child's maturity and physical and mental abilities prevent substantial harm. Neglect still includes abandonment and failure to provide needed care, basic support, or legally required schooling. Poor supervision counts as neglect when a situation exceeds the child's abilities and creates a real, significant, immediate risk through blatant disregard. Blatant disregard means a risk obvious to a reasonable custodian who would take steps to protect the child. Allowing independent activities also does not violate the reckless-conduct law unless it counts as neglect. That criminal-law exception applies to offenses committed on or after July 1, 2025.