age of child staying home alone
There are two bodies of law in New York State that deal with child abuse and maltreatment in a familial context. They are the Social Services Law (SSL) and the Family Court Act (FCA). Further, some acts of child abuse and maltreatment are also crimes. For more information on the crimes associated with child abuse and maltreatment, you should contact your local police or district attorney's office or refer to the Penal Law. Title Six of Article Six of the Social Services Law, specifically Sections 411-428, define child abuse and maltreatment. These are the guidelines that Children and Family Services use to help parents decide what is appropriate. Preschool age children (age 6 or under) should never be left alone. 1  The child’s age, cognitive abilities, maturity, and level of responsibility.  The length of time the child will be alone. Laws for Leaving a Child Home Alone. Only a couple of states have laws that specify the age when a child can be left home alone, including Maryland (age 8) and Illinois (age 14). However, most states have guidelines with the Department of Health and Human Services or other child protective agencies that test a child's ability to be left home alone. Leaving Children at Home Alone. There is no magic age when a child is ready to stay by him/herself. All children are different, but the National Safe Kids Campaign recommends that no child under the age of 12 be left at home alone. Whether children are home every day after school or once in a while when parents need to run errands, the experience can be made safer by considering the following: Therefore, in addition to the general guidelines listed above, a parent or caretaker should consider the following before leaving a child at home alone: 1  The age and maturity level of the child. 2  The length of time the child will need to stay home alone.  Whether the child works well independently and follows directions. 1 Instruct children not to tell callers they are alone. They should say that the parent is busy and offer to take a message. If a call seems suspicious, they should call you or another adult.  Be sure to tell children not to allow strangers into the house. Guidelines for Children Staying Home Alone. Nebraska has no law that states a specific age when children can be left home alone. Each situation must be evaluated on a case by case basis considering a number of factors. These are the guidelines that Children and Family Services use to help parents decide what is appropriate. Preschool age children (age 6 or under) should never be left alone. For older children the parent must consider: The child’s age, cognitive abilities, maturity, and level of responsibility. OCFS is often asked questions regarding the appropriate age to leave a child alone, or what age is appropriate to allow a child to begin babysitting. There are no straightforward answers to these questions. All children develop at their own rate, and with their own special needs and abilities. Some children are responsible, intelligent, and independent enough to be left alone at 12 or 13 years of age. 1 Teach the children basic first aid and have a first aid kit available. 2  Have the children rehearse emergency (911) calls giving their full address and directions if necessary.  Establish ground rules to avoid confusion about what you expect and to add to the child’s sense of security.
Maryland (age 8) and Illinois (age 14).