Iowa statute
Iowa Code § 710.8 — Harboring a runaway child prohibited — penalty
Current through 2026 Iowa Code (enactments effective on or before 2026-01-01, through the 2025 Regular Session, 91st G.A.)
Part of Chapter 710: Kidnapping and Related Offenses, Iowa Code.
Criminal charges under this statute
Full text of Iowa Code § 710.8
Statutory text current through the 2026 Iowa Code (enactments effective on or before 2026-01-01, through the 2025 Regular Session, 91st G.A.). This publication reproduces the statutory text of the official 2026 Iowa Code (Legislative Services Agency); it is not the official publication of the State of Iowa.
1. As used in this section and section 710.9 unless the context otherwise requires:
a. “Criminal act” means the violation of any federal or state law.
b. “Harbor” means to provide aid, support, or shelter.
c. “Runaway child” means a person under eighteen years of age who is voluntarily absent from the person’s home without the consent of the person’s parent, guardian, or custodian.
2. A person shall not harbor a runaway child with the intent of committing a criminal act involving the child or with the intent of enticing or forcing the runaway child to commit a criminal act.
3. A person shall not harbor a runaway child with the intent of allowing the runaway child to remain away from home against the wishes of the child’s parent, guardian, or custodian. However, the provisions of this subsection do not apply to a shelter care home which is licensed or approved by the department of health and human services.
4. A person convicted of a violation of this section is guilty of an aggravated misdemeanor.
Official sources
Legal terms used in this section
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.