What is a deprived child?

A deprived child refers specifically to a child who is in need of care and treatment but is being denied such assistance by their parents or guardians. This situation can arise due to various reasons, including neglect, a lack of appropriate care or supervision, or an inability of the parents to meet the child's essential needs. The term emphasizes the child's right to obtain necessary care, health services, or protection from harm.

In the context of the other options, while a child who has run away from home can certainly be in a vulnerable situation, the definition does not encompass the broader condition of being deprived of care. Children living with both parents or those under the care of a legal guardian are typically not classified as deprived, especially if their basic needs are adequately met. Thus, the focus is on the denial of appropriate care, which makes the first option the most accurate representation of a deprived child.