N.Y. Penal Law Section 260.10
Endangering the welfare of a child

A person is guilty of endangering the welfare of a child when:

1.

He or she knowingly acts in a manner likely to be injurious to the physical, mental or moral welfare of a child less than seventeen years old or directs or authorizes such child to engage in an occupation involving a substantial risk of danger to his or her life or health; or

2.

Being a parent, guardian or other person legally charged with the care or custody of a child less than eighteen years old, he or she fails or refuses to exercise reasonable diligence in the control of such child to prevent him or her from becoming an “abused child,” a “neglected child,” a “juvenile delinquent” or a “person in need of supervision,” as those terms are defined in articles ten, three and seven of the family court act.

3.

A person is not guilty of the provisions of this section when he or she engages in the conduct described in subdivision one of section 260.00 of this article:

(a)

with the intent to wholly abandon the child by relinquishing responsibility for and right to the care and custody of such child;

(b)

with the intent that the child be safe from physical injury and cared for in an appropriate manner;

(c)

the child is left with an appropriate person, or in a suitable location and the person who leaves the child promptly notifies an appropriate person of the child’s location; and

(d)

the child is not more than thirty days old. Endangering the welfare of a child is a class A misdemeanor.

Source: Section 260.10 — Endangering the welfare of a child, https://www.­nysenate.­gov/legislation/laws/PEN/260.­10 (updated Sep. 22, 2014; accessed Feb. 28, 2026).

Green check means up to date. Up to date

Verified:
Feb. 28, 2026

Last modified:
Sep. 22, 2014

§ 260.10. Endangering the welfare of a child's source at nysenate​.gov

Link Style