For the purposes of this Article, the following words and phrases
are defined as follows:
GUARDIAN
Guardian appointed by court of competent jurisdiction.
MINOR
A child as defined in Section 211.021, RSMo.
PARENT
The natural or adoptive father or mother, legal guardian
or any other person having the care or custody of a minor child.
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 offense.