Which of the following is NOT included in the definition of child abuse or neglect under Maine law?

The correct response pertains to the specific definitions provided in Maine law regarding child abuse or neglect. Under this law, child abuse or neglect includes various forms of harm or impairment to a child, such as physical, mental, or emotional injuries, as well as sexual abuse or exploitation and deprivation of essential needs like food, shelter, and medical care.

Financial exploitation, however, does not fit within the definitions typically used to identify child abuse or neglect. While financial issues can be a concern in broader contexts, such as elder abuse or exploitation in various demographics, they are not classified under the same framework when referring specifically to children. Since child abuse and neglect laws focus primarily on maintaining the physical and emotional well-being of minors, financial exploitation is not recognized as a form of abuse or neglect under Maine law. This distinction is essential for understanding the scope of legal protections available for children in abusive situations.