§ 9.32.150. Contributing to dependency or neglect of a child.

A.

As used in this section, a "dependent or neglected child" shall mean any child who while under the age of eighteen (18) years, for any reason is destitute, homeless or abandoned; or dependent upon the public for support; or has not proper parental care or guardianship; or habitually begs or receives alms; or is found living in any house of ill fame or with any vicious or disreputable person; or has a home which by reason of neglect, cruelty or depravity on the part of its parents, guardian or other person in whose care it may be is an unfit place for such child; and any child who while under the age of ten (10) years is found begging, peddling or selling any articles or singing or playing any musical instrument for gain upon the street or giving any public entertainments or accompanies or is used in aid of any person so doing.

B.

Any parent, legal guardian or person having the custody of a child under the age of eighteen (18) years, who knowingly or willfully causes, aids or encourages such person to be or to become a dependent and neglected child as defined in Subsection A of this section, who knowingly or willfully does acts which directly tend to render any such child so dependent and neglected, or who knowingly or willfully fails to do that which will directly tend to prevent such state of dependency and neglect is guilty of an ordinance violation. Instead of imposing punishment, the court may release the defendant from custody on probation for one (1) year upon his entering into recognizance with or without surety in such sum as the court directs. The conditions of the recognizance shall be such that if the defendant appears personally in court whenever ordered to do so within the year and provides and cares for such neglected and dependent child in such manner as to prevent a continuance or repetition of such state of dependency and neglect or as otherwise may be directed by the court, then the recognizance shall be void, otherwise it shall be of full force and effect. If the court is satisfied by information and due proof under oath that at any time during the year the defendant has violated the terms of such order, it may forthwith revoke the order and sentence him under the original conviction. Unless so sentenced, the defendant shall at the end of the year be discharged. In case of forfeiture on the recognizance, the sum recovered thereon may in the discretion of the court be paid in whole or in part to someone designated by the court for the support of such dependent and neglected child.

C.

A violation of any provision of this section shall be considered an ordinance violation, punishable by a fine not to exceed seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00) for each offense.

(Prior Code, § 10:92-3; Code 1996, § 9.32.150; Ord. No. 2704, 1996)

State law reference

Similar provisions, 720 ILCS 130/1, 720 ILCS 130/2.