Scranton Mother Charged With Child Endangerment
A Scranton woman faces charges after authorities discovered her seven-year-old child had received no medical or dental care.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Child Care
Scranton police charged 39-year-old Maria Lopez-Paz with endangering the welfare of a child on September 10, 2026. Authorities allege the child was living in poor conditions and had not received necessary medical or dental care.
Why it matters
The case highlights critical failures in child wellness, as the juvenile had not seen a doctor since 2024 and lacked the vaccinations required to attend school. The investigation prompted the Office of Youth and Family Services to take immediate custody of the child.
The seven-year-old child was found with 10 cavities and no record of medical visits since 2024. Maria Lopez-Paz remains in Lackawanna County Prison on $200,000 bail.
The players
Maria Lopez-Paz
The 39-year-old resident of 304 Wheeler Ave is currently facing charges for child endangerment.
Office of Youth and Family Services
This agency is responsible for child welfare and has assumed custody of the juvenile involved in this case.
Scranton Police Department
The local agency conducted the investigation into the reports of child neglect and drug use at the home.
The details
Police responded to the residence at 304 Wheeler Ave following reports of neglect and drug use. Caseworkers subsequently transported the child to the Valerie Hodge Dental Center to address severe oral health decay.
Timeline
The child last saw a doctor in 2024.
Police responded to the Wheeler Ave residence on September 10, 2026.
Caseworkers transported the child for dental care on September 14, 2026.
A preliminary hearing for the defendant is scheduled for October 14, 2026.
Culture Shift
This situation illustrates a departure from community norms regarding child wellness and state-mandated educational requirements. It highlights the systemic risks children face when guardians bypass established public health standards like Pennsylvania's mandatory school vaccination requirements.
This event serves as a reminder for residents to utilize available community services for pediatric medical and dental needs. Neighbors are encouraged to contact local youth services if they observe persistent signs of child neglect.
The takeaway
Ensuring children receive routine medical, dental, and educational checkups is a fundamental legal and health responsibility for all guardians. Community members play a vital role in identifying and reporting signs of neglect to help protect vulnerable youth.
What happens next
A preliminary hearing regarding the charges against Maria Lopez-Paz is scheduled for October 14, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on local support and reporting protocols, visit the Scranton child care resources page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Scranton Times-Tribune.
