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 Iowa, child endangerment is addressed under Iowa Code Section 726.6. The law defines child endangerment as an act by a caretaker who knowingly acts in a manner that creates a substantial risk to a child's physical, mental, or emotional health or safety. This includes, but is not limited to, situations such as leaving a child unattended in a vehicle, driving under the influence with a child in the car, exposing a child to illegal drugs, or leaving a child with a person known to be abusive. Penalties for child endangerment in Iowa can range from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the severity of the risk or harm to the child, and can result in fines, imprisonment, or both. Additionally, child endangerment can have civil implications, particularly in family law matters such as custody disputes. Federal laws may apply if the endangerment involves crossing state lines, federal lands, or is otherwise under federal jurisdiction, but typically child endangerment is prosecuted under state law.