(A) A person commits the offense of endangering the welfare of a child if:
(1) He or she, with criminal negligence, acts in a manner that creates a substantial risk to the life, body, or health of a child less than 17 years old;
(2) He or she knowingly encourages, aids, or causes a child less than 17 years old to engage in any conduct which causes or tends to cause the child to come within the provisions of RSMo. §§ 211.031(1)(2)(d) or 211.031(1)(3);
(3) Being a parent, guardian, or other person legally charged with the care or custody of a child less than 17 years old, he or she recklessly fails or refuses to exercise reasonable diligence in the care or control of such child to prevent him or her from coming within the provisions of RSMo. §§ 211.031(1)(1)(c), 211.031(1)(2)(d), or 211.031(1)(3); or
(4) He or she knowingly encourages, aids, or causes a child less than 17 years of age to enter into any room, building, or other structure which is a public nuisance as defined in RSMo. § 195.253.
(B) Nothing in this section shall be construed to mean the welfare of a child is endangered for the sole reason that he or she is being provided non-medical remedial treatment recognized and permitted under the laws of this state.
(Prior Code, § 210.050) Penalty, see § 130.999
Editor’s note:
Under certain circumstances this offense can be a felony under state law