Section 26-16-2

Definitions.

(a) As used in this article, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings herein ascribed to them:

(1) CHILD. A person under 18 years of age.

(2) CHILD ABUSE. Harm or threatened harm to a child's health or welfare by a person responsible for the child's health or welfare, which harm occurs or is threatened through nonaccidental physical or mental injury; sexual abuse, which includes a violation of any provision of Article 4, Chapter 6, Title 13A.

(3) CULTURAL COMPETENCY. The ability of an individual or organization to understand and act respectfully toward, in a cultural text, the beliefs, interpersonal styles, attitudes, and behaviors of persons and families of various cultures, including persons and families of various cultures who participate in services from the individual or organization and persons of various cultures who provide services for the individual or organization.

(4) LOCAL COUNCIL. An organization which meets the criteria described in Section 26-16-10.

(5) NEGLECT. Harm to a child's health or welfare by a person responsible for the child's health or welfare which occurs through negligent treatment, including the failure to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, or medical care.

(6) ORGANIZATION. A nonprofit organization or a public agency which provides or proposes to provide child abuse and neglect prevention, early intervention services, or parent education.

(7) PREVENTION PROGRAM. A system of direct provision of child abuse and neglect prevention services to a child, parent, or guardian.

(8) STATE BOARD. The State Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board created in Section 26-16-3.

(9) TRUST FUND. The Children's Trust Fund established in the State Treasury.

(Acts 1983, No. 83-736, p. 1198, §2; Act 98-601, p. 1313, §1.)