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

Who is defined as an 'Abused Juvenile'?

1. A juvenile involved in petty crime

2. A minor under 18 years of age experiencing human trafficking

3. A minor who has been abandoned by their parents

4. A juvenile who suffers serious physical injury from a guardian

The correct answer is: A juvenile who suffers serious physical injury from a guardian

The definition of an 'Abused Juvenile' primarily emphasizes the serious harm or threat of harm inflicted by a guardian or caregiver. In this context, the correct answer relates to a juvenile who has experienced severe physical injuries as a result of actions by someone responsible for their care, such as a parent or guardian. This definition underscores the legal recognition of abuse, which includes physical harm, neglect, molested, or otherwise being subjected to maltreatment. The focus is on the direct impact that a guardian's actions have on the juvenile's physical well-being, reflecting the understanding that such abuse can lead to significant psychological and emotional trauma. Recognizing serious physical injury as a key factor in defining an abused juvenile stresses the legal system's role in protecting vulnerable minors from harmful situations. In contrast, other options describe situations that may warrant concern or intervention but do not fit the specific definition of an 'Abused Juvenile.' For example, being involved in petty crime is not necessarily linked to abuse, human trafficking, while a serious issue, would fall under different legal statutes, and abandonment, though concerning, doesn't inherently mean the juvenile has been subject to direct abuse from a guardian.