What does endangerment refer to in child abuse?

• A. Providing adequate nutrition to a child
• B. Placing a child in a situation where their health or safety is at risk
• C. Gifting toys
• D. Paying for medical insurance

Answer: (B)

Endangerment means putting a child in a situation where their health or safety could be harmed. It focuses on the risk that a caregiver creates or allows, even if injury hasn’t happened yet. This includes scenarios where a child is exposed to dangerous conditions or environments, or where a caregiver’s actions or inactions create a substantial and foreseeable chance of harm.

The option that describes placing a child in a situation where their health or safety is at risk captures this idea precisely. The other choices reflect protective or neutral caregiving actions and do not involve creating risk or danger to the child.