Is a Child in Immediate Danger?
If a child is in immediate danger, call 911. To report suspected child abuse or neglect, contact the county child-welfare hotline for the county where the child resides.
- California County Child-Abuse Reporting Numbers (CDSS)
- California Child Protective Services Information (CDSS)
- Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline — Call or text 1-800-422-4453 (text keyword: GO)
Childhelp provides crisis support, information, and referrals. A formal child-abuse report in California should be directed to the appropriate county child-welfare hotline or law enforcement.
On This Page
- 1. What Is Child Endangerment Under PC §273a?
- 2. PC §273a(a) Versus PC §273a(b)
- 3. Child Endangerment Versus Child Abuse
- 4. Common Situations Leading to an Arrest
- 5. What Happens During a Child-Endangerment Investigation?
- 6. Arrest and Booking Procedures
- 7. Child Endangerment Bail
- 8. Arraignment and Criminal Court
- 9. When CPS or Child Welfare May Become Involved
- 10. What Happens During a CPS Investigation?
- 11. Criminal Case and CPS Are Separate Proceedings
- 12. Juvenile Dependency Court
- 13. Can a Child Be Removed From the Home?
- 14. Custody, Visitation and Protective Orders
- 15. How to Locate Someone Recently Arrested
- 16. County Jail, Court and CPS Resources
- 17. Child-Safety and Family Resources
- 18. Frequently Asked Questions
- 19. Sources and Review Information
What Is Child Endangerment Under PC §273a?
California Penal Code §273a addresses specified conduct involving willfully causing or permitting a child to suffer, inflicting unjustifiable physical pain or mental suffering, or willfully causing or permitting a child in one's care or custody to be placed in a situation where the child's person or health is endangered. The precise statutory language and the alleged circumstances matter.
Whether conduct satisfies the criminal statute is a factual and legal question determined by law enforcement, prosecutors, and courts based on the specific allegations, evidence, and applicable legal standards.
Read the official PC §273a statute text at California Legislative Information
PC §273a(a) Versus PC §273a(b)
PC §273a has two subdivisions that differ based on the alleged circumstances and the level of risk involved.
| Factor | PC §273a(a) | PC §273a(b) |
|---|---|---|
| Circumstances | Conduct under circumstances or conditions likely to produce great bodily harm or death | Covered conduct under circumstances other than those likely to produce great bodily harm or death |
| Classification | Wobbler — may be filed as a felony or misdemeanor | Generally classified as a misdemeanor |
| Possible statutory custody range | Felony: 2, 4, or 6 years in state prison. Misdemeanor: up to 1 year in county jail. | Up to 6 months in county jail and/or a fine. |
| Charging decision | Depends on the alleged facts and prosecutorial decision | Depends on the alleged facts and prosecutorial decision |
| Potential consequences | Arrest, booking, bail, protective conditions, child-welfare review | Arrest, booking, protective conditions, child-welfare review |
Child Endangerment Versus Child Abuse
PC §273a — Child Endangerment
Generally addresses covered conduct that causes suffering or creates or permits an endangering situation. Does not require proof of actual physical injury.
PC §273a statute textPC §273d — Corporal Punishment or Injury of a Child
Addresses the willful infliction of cruel or inhuman corporal punishment or injury resulting in a traumatic condition.
PC §273d statute textThese statutes can overlap, but they are not interchangeable. Depending on the allegations, prosecutors may file one statute, both statutes, or other charges.
Common Situations That May Lead to a Child-Endangerment Investigation or Arrest
The following examples describe situations that may lead to a child-endangerment investigation or arrest. These examples do not mean that a crime occurred in every situation. Criminal liability depends on the specific facts, statutory requirements, evidence, and charging decision.
Leaving a child in a dangerously hot vehicle
A child is allegedly left unattended in a vehicle in conditions that could cause heat-related illness or death. California law addresses leaving a child in a vehicle under dangerous conditions. Whether a criminal charge is filed depends on the specific facts, the child's age, the duration, and the alleged circumstances.
Alleged access to drugs, weapons, or unsafe conditions
A child is allegedly exposed to accessible controlled substances, drug paraphernalia, firearms, or other dangerous objects or conditions in the home. The alleged accessibility and the child's age and ability to access the item may be relevant to the charge.
Driving under the influence with a child present
A person is arrested for an alleged DUI while a child is a passenger in the vehicle. A DUI arrest with a child passenger may result in both a DUI charge under Vehicle Code §23152 and a child endangerment charge under PC §273a, depending on the circumstances and the prosecutor's assessment.
Leaving a child with an allegedly unsafe caregiver
A parent or guardian allegedly leaves a child in the care of a person known to present a danger to the child — for example, a person with a history of violence or substance abuse. Whether this supports a criminal charge depends on the specific facts and the alleged knowledge of the parent or guardian.
A domestic incident allegedly creating a risk to a child
A domestic violence incident occurs in the presence of a child, or the child is allegedly exposed to conditions arising from the incident. Depending on the alleged circumstances, child endangerment charges under PC §273a may be filed alongside domestic violence charges.
Failure to obtain necessary care under circumstances alleged to endanger a child
A parent or caregiver allegedly fails to seek necessary medical care for a child, or fails to protect the child from a known danger. Whether this supports a criminal charge depends on the specific facts, the alleged knowledge of the caregiver, and the applicable legal standard.
What Happens During a Child-Endangerment Investigation?
Depending on the circumstances, the following may occur during an initial child-endangerment investigation:
- Law enforcement may interview adults and witnesses
- The child may be interviewed by trained personnel
- Medical personnel may evaluate reported injuries or safety concerns
- Photographs, recordings, physical evidence, or statements may be collected
- Law enforcement may contact the county child-welfare agency
- A mandated reporter may have made the initial report
- The agency may separately assess immediate child safety
- A child may remain with a safe parent or be temporarily placed elsewhere when legally authorized
- Arrest decisions and child-safety decisions are separate
Mandated Reporting and Cross-Reporting
Some professionals are mandated reporters under California law. Depending on the circumstances, a report may originate from law enforcement, medical personnel, educators, social workers, childcare professionals, or another reporter. Law enforcement and county child-welfare agencies may also share or cross-report information as required or authorized by law.
Arrest and Booking Procedures
The following steps describe the general process that may follow a child-endangerment arrest in California. Specific procedures vary by county, arresting agency, and the circumstances of the case.
- 1
Initial report or law-enforcement response
A report is made to law enforcement or a county child-welfare agency, or law enforcement responds to an incident.
- 2
Child-safety assessment
Law enforcement and potentially the county child-welfare agency assess the immediate safety of the child.
- 3
Investigation and witness interviews
Law enforcement interviews adults, witnesses, and potentially the child. Evidence may be collected.
- 4
Possible contact with the county child-welfare agency
Law enforcement may notify the county child-welfare agency, which may conduct a separate investigation.
- 5
Arrest when legally authorized
If law enforcement determines there is probable cause, an arrest may be made.
- 6
Transport to a station or county detention facility
The arrested person is transported to a local police station or county jail.
- 7
Fingerprinting, photographing, and property inventory
Standard booking procedures are completed.
- 8
Review of the filed or booking charge
The booking charge is recorded. Prosecutors independently decide which charges, if any, to file.
- 9
Review of warrants, court orders, probation or parole matters, and other holds
The facility reviews any outstanding warrants, holds, or conditions that may affect release.
- 10
Bail or release eligibility review
The facility reviews whether the person is eligible for citation release, recognizance release, or bail.
- 11
Citation, recognizance release, bail, or continued detention
The person may be released or held depending on the charge and circumstances.
- 12
Possible protective or no-contact conditions
Release may be conditioned on no contact with the alleged victim or child.
- 13
Criminal arraignment
The first formal court appearance, where the defendant is informed of the charges and may enter a plea.
- 14
Separate CPS or dependency proceedings when applicable
A county child-welfare investigation or juvenile dependency case may proceed independently.
Child Endangerment Bail
Bail is a financial condition of release set by a court or jail that allows a defendant to remain out of custody while their case proceeds. Bail is not a fine or a penalty — it is a guarantee that the defendant will appear at all required court dates.
- Not every arrest requires a bail bond — some misdemeanor cases may result in citation or recognizance release
- Other cases may require bail or judicial review
- Bail depends on the booking charge, county schedule, warrants, holds, prior history, risk considerations, and court orders
- A felony allegation may have different bail treatment than a misdemeanor allegation
- Posting bail does not dismiss the case
- Bail does not override a protective order
- Bail does not determine CPS or dependency outcomes
- Release from jail does not automatically restore contact or custody
Bail-Bond Premium
The consumer cost of a California bail bond is most commonly 10% of the bail amount. The bail agent must charge the premium rate filed by its surety company with the California Department of Insurance. Any approved discount, payment terms, expenses, or collateral requirements must be explained in writing before the bond is posted.
California Department of Insurance — Bail Bonds Consumer Information
Arraignment and Criminal Court
Arraignment is typically the first formal court appearance after an arrest. At arraignment, the defendant is informed of the charges and their rights, and may enter a plea. The judge may also review custody and bail conditions, including whether to modify, continue, or revoke bail.
After arraignment, the case proceeds through additional hearings, pre-trial proceedings, and potentially a trial. The specific procedures depend on the court, the charge, and the circumstances.
When CPS or Child Welfare May Become Involved
In California, county child-welfare agencies are commonly referred to as CPS (Child Protective Services), but the official agency name varies by county. These agencies may be called Child Protective Services, Children and Family Services, Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), Child Welfare Services (CWS), or Children's Services Division, depending on the county. "County child-welfare agency" is the general term used on this page.
A child-endangerment arrest may be reported to the county child-welfare agency, but CPS involvement is not identical in every case. An agency may screen a report out, investigate, offer voluntary services, create a safety plan, arrange a temporary placement, or seek juvenile-court intervention depending on the reported facts and its safety assessment.
What Happens During a CPS Investigation?
When a county child-welfare agency receives a report, it may take some or all of the following steps depending on the reported facts and its assessment:
- Review the report and check available agency history
- Interview parents, caregivers, children, and other relevant people
- Speak with teachers, doctors, relatives, or other professionals when legally authorized
- Visit the home
- Assess immediate and future safety
- Discuss a safety plan with the family
- Refer the family to services
- Evaluate placement with another parent or relative
- Seek court orders when the agency believes court intervention is necessary
The Criminal Case and the CPS Investigation Are Separate Proceedings
A child-endangerment arrest may trigger two distinct processes that proceed independently of each other: the criminal case and the county child-welfare investigation or juvenile dependency proceeding. Understanding the difference is important.
Criminal Case
- Prosecuted by the district attorney or city attorney
- Standard: proof beyond a reasonable doubt
- Possible outcomes: acquittal, dismissal, plea, conviction
- Bail, arraignment, and criminal court hearings
- Defendant has constitutional rights including right to counsel
CPS / Juvenile Dependency Investigation
- Conducted by the county child-welfare agency
- Focus: child safety and welfare, not criminal punishment
- Different legal standards and burden of proof
- May result in services, safety plan, or dependency petition
- Juvenile dependency court is separate from criminal court
The outcome of the criminal case does not automatically determine the outcome of the CPS investigation or dependency proceeding, and vice versa. A criminal acquittal or dismissal does not automatically close a CPS case. A CPS case may proceed even if no criminal charges are filed.
Statements made in one proceeding may have consequences in the other. This is one reason why consulting a qualified attorney early — and separately for each proceeding if necessary — is important.
Can a Separate Juvenile Dependency Case Be Filed?
Yes, but not automatically. If the county child-welfare agency believes court supervision or protective orders are necessary, the appropriate public agency may file a juvenile dependency petition. The dependency case is separate from the defendant's criminal case and has a different purpose, procedures, and legal standards.
A child-endangerment arrest does not automatically mean that a dependency petition will be filed or that a child will be removed from the home.
- Juvenile dependency court focuses on the child's safety and care
- A petition may allege that a child comes within Welfare and Institutions Code §300
- Parents generally receive notice of the petition and hearings
- The court may appoint attorneys as provided by law
- Early hearings may address temporary placement and visitation
- Later proceedings may address jurisdiction, disposition, services, placement, and review
- The criminal and dependency cases can proceed at the same time
- The outcome of one case does not automatically decide the other
- Statements in one proceeding may have consequences elsewhere, so legal advice is important
Existing Family-Law Cases
An arrest, protective order, or child-welfare investigation may also become relevant in an existing divorce, parentage, custody, or visitation case. A family-law judge may consider admissible evidence and applicable child-safety laws when making custody or visitation orders. This is different from a juvenile dependency petition. Juvenile dependency court and family court are not interchangeable terms.
An arrest does not automatically cause a parent to lose custody.
California Courts — Child Custody Self-HelpCan a Child Be Removed From the Home?
A child is not automatically removed because someone was arrested. A child-welfare agency or law enforcement may take temporary protective action when legally authorized and when the circumstances indicate an immediate safety concern. If continued court-supervised removal is sought, juvenile dependency procedures and hearings may follow.
Possible arrangements may include:
- Remaining with a non-arrested parent
- Temporary care by a qualified relative
- Voluntary safety arrangements
- Emergency protective custody when legally authorized
- Foster placement when another safe placement is unavailable
- Court-ordered return to a parent
- Supervised or restricted visitation
Custody, Visitation and Protective Orders
Release on bail does not automatically authorize contact with the child. The following points apply after a child-endangerment arrest:
- The defendant must follow every written criminal protective order
- Dependency-court orders may separately control custody and visitation
- Existing family-law orders may remain in place unless changed by the appropriate court
- A protected person or family member cannot privately cancel a court order
- Contact may be prohibited, limited, peaceful-contact only, or supervised
- Only the appropriate court can modify its order
California Courts — Guide to Supervised Visitation
How to Locate Someone Recently Arrested for Child Endangerment
Recent arrest information may appear in an arresting agency's booking records, county inmate-search system, jail roster, arrest log, or court records. Availability and update times vary by county and facility. A person arrested by a city police department may initially be held locally before transfer to a county jail.
Families searching for someone arrested for child endangerment, a PC 273a arrest, or child endangerment booking information may find the following helpful:
Information That May Help Locate Someone
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- City and county of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Approximate arrest date and time
- Booking number (if available)
- Bail amount (if set)
- Court case number (when available)
Post It Bail Bonds can assist in reviewing available public booking information. Call 1-855-479-4345 for assistance. We do not operate an official government booking database and cannot guarantee the availability or accuracy of third-party records.
County Jail, Court and CPS Resources
Post It Bail Bonds serves Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego counties. Each county has its own jail facilities, inmate-search system, superior court, bail schedule, county child-welfare agency, and juvenile dependency court.
Child-Safety and Family Resources
The following resources are provided as public-service information.
Emergency Services
If a child is in immediate danger or someone needs emergency assistance.
Call 911
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline
Crisis support, information, and referrals. Available 24/7. Call or text 1-800-422-4453 (text keyword: GO). A formal report in California should be directed to the appropriate county child-welfare hotline or law enforcement.
1-800-422-4453
childhelp.org/hotlineCalifornia CDSS — County Child-Abuse Reporting Numbers
Directory of official county child-welfare reporting hotlines.
cdss.ca.gov — County Reporting NumbersCalifornia Courts — Juvenile Dependency
Information about juvenile dependency court procedures and a guide for parents.
selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/juvenile-dependencyCalifornia Courts — Child Custody Self-Help
Information about custody and visitation proceedings in California family court.
selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/child-custodyCalifornia Courts — Supervised Visitation Guide
Information about supervised visitation orders in California.
selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/guide-supervised-visitationFrequently Asked Questions
Sources and Review Information
Content reviewed: August 21, 2026
Reviewed by Post It Bail Bonds, a licensed California bail-bond agency.
Post It Bail Bonds has practical experience assisting families with publicly available booking information and eligible bail bonds following child-endangerment arrests. Post It Bail Bonds does not provide criminal-defense, CPS, dependency, custody, or family-law representation.
Criminal laws, bail schedules, dependency procedures, agency policies, and court orders can change. Confirm current information with the appropriate jail, court, county child-welfare agency, or California Department of Social Services.