What is the legal definition of endangering the welfare of a child?

Full question:

Does saying something inappropriate to a minor constitute the charge of endangering the welfare of a child?

  • Category: Courts
  • Subcategory: Legal Definitions
  • Date:
  • State: New York

Answer:

The answer depends on what was said and all the facts involved. The following is a NY statute:

§ 260.10 Endangering the welfare of a child.

A person is guilty of endangering the welfare of a child when:

1. He knowingly acts in a manner likely to be injurious to the
physical, mental or moral welfare of a child less than seventeen years
old or directs or authorizes such child to engage in an occupation
involving a substantial risk of danger to his life or health; or

2. Being a parent, guardian or other person legally charged with the
care or custody of a child less than eighteen years old, he fails or
refuses to exercise reasonable diligence in the control of such child to
prevent him from becoming an "abused child," a "neglected child," a
"juvenile delinquent" or a "person in need of supervision," as those
terms are defined in articles ten, three and seven of the family court
act.

Endangering the welfare of a child is a class A misdemeanor.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

The crime elements of child endangerment typically include knowingly acting in a way that could harm a child's physical, mental, or moral welfare. This can also involve failing to provide reasonable care or supervision to prevent a child from being abused or neglected. In New York, these actions can lead to charges under N.Y. Penal Law § 260.10.