North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) State Practice Exam

Who is primarily responsible for the abuse of a juvenile?

1. Teacher

2. Parent

3. Neighbor

4. Babysitter

The correct answer is: Parent

The primary responsibility for the abuse of a juvenile typically lies with the parent. Parents or guardians are entrusted with the care, safety, and overall well-being of their children, making them central figures in any incidents of abuse. They have the most significant influence and direct access to the child, which means they hold a greater potential for both negligence and harmful behavior. While teachers, neighbors, and babysitters can also play roles in child abuse situations, such instances are less frequent or tend to involve less direct responsibility compared to that of a parent. Legal and social expectations place the onus on parents to protect their children from harm and provide a safe environment. The crucial nature of the parental role in a child's life underscores why they are primarily held accountable in cases of juvenile abuse.