It's just about any parent's or potential parent's worst nightmare for a child to go missing. The disappearance of a son or daughter changes a parent's life in a split second. Finding that child becomes the driving force behind every action.

But while a parent is living out her worst nightmare, she will also commonly have to play out more than the role of desperate parent. She will also likely be put in the position as authorities' prime suspect behind the disappearance. A mother is playing out those dueling roles and was recently arrested for child abuse in Arizona in relation to her missing daughter.

According to CNN, Glendale officials arrested the mother on Monday. Her 5-year-old was reported missing about a month ago, and sources don't indicate that there have been many clues to give authorities much of a promising lead. They do claim that there is sufficient reason to suspect the mother has something to do with the disappearance, but more details regarding such supposed evidence are not available.

The mother is the one who reported that her daughter went missing. She reportedly went out to run an errand, leaving her older children to watch the 5-year-old. When she got home, the little girl was gone. You can only imagine the level of panic that must set in for any parent in that situation.

Despite her panic and call to police, the mother remains at risk of legal consequences. Her arrest for child abuse could mean severe punishment, especially since sources suggest that the child is likely not to be found alive at this point on the timeline. Will the child abuse allegation turn to one of homicide? That will depend on the investigation. And the suspect's future with regards to such a serious possibility will largely depend on the help from a dedicated, experienced criminal defense attorney.

We will post an update on this matter as developments are announced.

Source

CNN: "Mother of missing Arizona 5-year-old arrested," Nov. 21, 2011