Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) Practice Exam

Which type of minor is defined as lacking proper care due to the disability of a parent or guardian?

1. Neglected minor

2. Dependent minor

3. Delinquent minor

4. Addicted minor

The correct answer is: Dependent minor

The type of minor defined as lacking proper care due to the disability of a parent or guardian is a dependent minor. This classification emphasizes the need for care and support when a minor cannot receive adequate supervision or nurturing due to circumstances that affect the caregiver's ability to provide for them. In such cases, the minor's well-being is compromised, necessitating intervention from social services or the legal system to ensure their safety and welfare. Understanding this definition is crucial because it highlights the legal and social responsibilities toward minors who are in vulnerable situations due to the incapacity of their guardians. The intent is to safeguard the child and possibly place them in a more stable environment when their current living situation falls short of meeting their needs. The other types of minors, while they describe various forms of issues related to minors, do not specifically pertain to the concept of a caregiver’s disability leading to a lack of proper care. For instance, a neglected minor typically refers to situations where the caregiver fails to meet basic needs, which may not necessarily be due to a physical or mental disability. Delinquent minors engage in unlawful activities, and addicted minors are those struggling with substance dependency, neither of which directly correlates to the disability of a parent or guardian in providing care.