Legal Definitions - endangering the welfare of a child

Endangering the welfare of a child is a legal term that refers to any action or behavior that puts a child's physical, emotional, or mental health at risk. This can include neglect, abuse, or any other form of mistreatment that could harm a child's well-being.

• Leaving a young child alone at home for an extended period of time
• Exposing a child to drugs or alcohol
• Physically or emotionally abusing a child
• Not providing a child with proper medical care or nutrition

These examples illustrate how a child's welfare can be endangered in different ways. Leaving a young child alone at home can put them at risk of injury or harm, while exposing a child to drugs or alcohol can have long-term negative effects on their physical and mental health. Physical or emotional abuse can cause lasting trauma, and not providing a child with proper medical care or nutrition can lead to serious health problems.