Ask an Officer

Ask an Officer

QUESTION: Could you explain the offense of child endangering which is listed on the monthly Euclid Police Offense report?

ANSWER: Let’s begin with some scenario descriptions. A two-year old is left sleeping in an apartment while the parent is gone for over 40 minutes, an infant in a car seat is left inside a hot car while the parent shops, a twelve-year-old is locked out of the house in less than 30-degree icy weather to wait 45 minutes for the school bus, drugs are lying on the coffee table within reach of children watching television, an intoxicated parent is driving children.  All of these scenarios, which have actually occurred in Euclid, are considered child endangering, an offense that has risen by 35% in the city since 2016.

The Euclid Codified Ordinance for child endangering is 537.11 and states that no adult person shall create a substantial risk to the health or safety of a child by violating a duty of care, protection, or support.  The ordinance includes, but is not limited to actions such as abuse, torture, corporal punishment, and unwarranted disciplinary measures. 

Agencies that address issues with children such as Cuyahoga County Child and Family Services further clarifies child abuse as including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse and neglect.  If a parent or caregiver is suspected of abusing a child or failing to provide adequate supervision, food, shelter, medical care, education or a safe environment, Cuyahoga County Children and Family Services should be contacted at 216-696-KIDS (5437), just as Euclid Police Officers do when making a child endangering report.

Euclid residents concerned about neglect or abuse and want to understand and learn what can be done to help, can utilize the Domestic Violence and Child Advocacy Center, an agency that works closely with the Euclid Police Department and provides victims of domestic violence with advocates, education, emergency shelter and resources. The DVCAC website provides information and can be accessed at dvca.org.  To reach the DVCAC, call 216-229-2420 or the emergency helpline which is open 24/7 at 216-391-4357.