What does "child endangerment" refer to under the Penal Code?

Child endangerment under the Penal Code refers to actions that create a risk of harm to a child. This definition encompasses a wide range of behaviors and situations where a child's safety and well-being are compromised, even if direct harm has not yet occurred. For example, leaving a child unsupervised in a dangerous environment or exposing them to abusive situations can be construed as child endangerment.

This concept emphasizes the potential for harm rather than requiring actual injury to the child, which is why it is critical to recognize various forms of neglect or reckless behavior that might not result in physical harm but still place the child at significant risk. Understanding this definition is essential in identifying and addressing issues related to child safety and welfare within legal contexts. Other options focus on specific types of harm or neglect, but they do not capture the broader aspect of actions that merely create risk, which is at the heart of child endangerment.