What term refers to the wrongful act by which a child is released to a dangerous situation?

The term that accurately refers to the wrongful act of releasing a child to a dangerous situation is neglect. Neglect involves failing to provide adequate care, supervision, or protection for a child, which can lead to exposure to harm or dangerous circumstances. This encompasses a wide range of harmful situations where caregivers do not meet the basic needs of a child, thereby compromising their safety and well-being.

In the context of child welfare, neglect is taken seriously as it highlights a failure to act in the best interests of the child, often leading to legal and social intervention. While abandonment implies that a child is left without any care or supervision at all, neglect specifically addresses situations where the caregiver is present but fails to provide a safe environment. The other terms do not directly capture the essence of exposure to danger in a caregiving context.