Detectives from the Child Abuse Taskforce have arrested a 37-year-old Galiwinku woman for the severe neglect of a nine-year-old boy who had been in her care.

The arrest was a result of Operation Manhattan, a joint investigation undertaken by Northern Territory Police and the Department of Children and Families.

Detective Sergeant Richard Magree of the Child Abuse Taskforce said "The 37-year-old woman was conveyed to the Darwin Watch House and charged with Negligently Causing Serious Harm and Failing to Provide Necessaries of Life.

She was bailed to appear in the Darwin Magistrates Court on Thursday the 10th of May 2012.

Detective Magree said the case was particularly serious.  "This case serves as an important reminder to the community that reporting child abuse in the Northern Territory is mandatory. Keeping children safe is everyone's responsibility"