For the purposes of this Article, the following words and phrases
are defined as follows:
CRIMINAL ACT
An act which violates the Statutes of the United States,
the Statutes of the State of Missouri or the ordinances of the City
of Marshfield, including curfew and moving traffic violations.
GUARDIAN
Guardian appointed by court of competent jurisdiction.
MINOR
Any person under the age of seventeen (17).
PARENT
The natural father or mother, or the adoptive father or mother.
PARENTAL NEGLECT
Any act or omission by which a parent fails to exercise customary
and effective control over a minor so as to contribute to, cause or
tend to cause a minor to commit any criminal act.