Is there a law stating how old children have to be to stay home alone?

Question

Is there a law stating how old children have to be to stay home alone?

Answer 1

No.

Answer 2

i started when i was 10

Answer 3

There is a law varying on the states but sometimes it is just frowned upon but if you feel that your child is old enough and responsible enough to stay home alone then you should let them

Answer 4

yes in missouri the age is 12

Answer 5

In most states, no child can be left alone until after the age of 12. It is considered neglect if the child is under 12.

Answer 6

The laws vary from state to state California and New York state that a child age 9 and up to 14 may stay home alone for no more than two hours and no child under the age of 14 can watch other children for 8 hours or more.   If CPS is called in on such a case the children will be removed from the home and the parents will be charged with neglect and child endangerment regardless of how mature the parents think their kids are.  The law is very clear and the law is the law.

Answer 7

There are recommended ages based on the state you live in.  It ranges from 9 years old in Georgia to 13 years old in Illinois.

Answer 8

there might be laws in a couple of states but not it mine and plus its not like cops r just patroling the streets and looking in windows to see if kids r alone i mean its not a big deal to them

Answer 9

Yes there is but it is not age specific.  I called a cps phone hotline to ask the question.  If you leave a child who cannot care for themselves obviously BAD, I think she told me at 8 a child can be left for like a couple hours after school or in the morning to get off to school like if you go to work early.  Now each state is different,but I was told that at any age if a neighbor or someone who knows the child is home alone and they think it is an unsafe situation for the kid they can call the police and the police will determine if they should call cps or if the person calls cps directly they have the authourity to open a case if they feel necessary!!!

Answer 10

I'm pretty sure it somewhere between the ages of 12-13,and varies by state, but age isn't everything. Not every 12 or 13 year old is mature enough to stay home alone, so use your best judgment.

Answer 11

No, but a smart parent would know how old their kids should be to stay home alone.

Answer 12

Well, in Oregon it is twelve. You should go to your state website or search  it up!

Answer 13

I know in Massachusetts it's 12 years old

Answer 14

Illinois does not have a "age" they can be left at home alone. If cps is called in they will look at several factors such as age of child, how long parents are gone, if have neighbor to check on kid, if child know how to dial 911 and other emergency numbers, if child can get a hold of parents, if child is watching younger siblings etc etc etc.  They go case by case bases.