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 Rhode Island, child endangerment laws are designed to protect children from harm and unsafe conditions. These laws are codified in both the state's penal code, which addresses criminal charges, and the family code, which deals with civil implications such as child custody. Child endangerment can include a range of actions, such as leaving a child unattended in a vehicle, driving under the influence with a child present, failing to supervise a child adequately, exposing a child to drugs or pornography, and other situations that could harm a child's physical, mental, or emotional well-being. Penalties for child endangerment in Rhode Island can vary from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the severity of the offense. While most child endangerment cases are handled at the state level, federal laws may apply if the conduct involves multiple states, occurs on federal lands, or crosses state lines. An attorney specializing in family law or criminal defense can provide specific guidance on Rhode Island's child endangerment laws and the potential legal consequences of such actions.