Child endangerment laws vary from state to state in their naming (child abuse, child neglect, neglectful supervision, etc.), definitions, and penalties (misdemeanor or felony, jail or probation). But parents, guardians, and other adult caregivers with responsibility for supervising children have an obligation to protect those children from unreasonably dangerous conditions.

Situations that may constitute child endangerment include (1) leaving a child unattended in a motor vehicle; (2) serving alcohol to an underage driver; (3) driving while intoxicated with a child in the motor vehicle; (4) leaving a young child unsupervised in an unsafe place or situation; (5) unreasonable punishment resulting in bodily injury (severe spanking, burning, extended isolation, etc.); (6) hiring a babysitter, nanny, or other adult supervisor with a known history of sexual or other abuse of children; (7) leaving firearms within the reach of children; (8) exposing a child to drug transactions or manufacturing; (9) exposing a child to pornography; (10) engaging in sexual activity in view of a child; and (11) placing or allowing a child to remain in a situation that may endanger the child’s life, physical health, mental health, emotional health, morals, or development.

Child endangerment laws are usually included in a state’s penal or criminal code (statutes)—which provide for the related criminal charges—and in a state’s family code (statutes) that address the civil (non-criminal) implications of child endangerment—often in the context of divorce and child custody matters.

Except in limited circumstances, federal laws generally do not apply to child endangerment matters that take place within a single state. Such criminal matters that take place within a single state are generally handled by state or local authorities and prosecuted under state laws. But if the endangerment of a child involves conduct or materials in multiple states, or occurs on federal lands (military bases, American Indian territories) the offense may be prosecuted under federal law.

In North Carolina, child endangerment laws are designed to protect children from situations that could harm their physical, mental, or emotional well-being. Under North Carolina General Statutes, child abuse, neglect, and dependency are addressed in Chapter 7B, known as the Juvenile Code. Child endangerment can be prosecuted under various statutes depending on the nature of the offense. For instance, leaving a child unattended in a vehicle is specifically prohibited under § 14-318.2 of the North Carolina General Statutes. Driving while intoxicated with a child in the vehicle can lead to enhanced penalties under the state's DWI laws. Child abuse that results in physical injury can be prosecuted as a felony or misdemeanor based on the severity of the injury and the circumstances, as outlined in § 14-318.4. Additionally, exposing children to illegal drug activities can result in criminal charges under the state's controlled substances laws. North Carolina also has laws regarding the safe storage of firearms to prevent access by minors. Child endangerment issues can also have civil implications, particularly in family law matters such as custody disputes. While most child endangerment cases are handled at the state level, federal law may apply if the conduct involves crossing state lines, occurs on federal lands, or involves federal crimes such as child pornography.