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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 443
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Posts: 443 |
I was wondering does anyone know what age can I child be left home alone day or night?
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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,717
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By law...in most states you are responsible for your childrens well being until they reach the age of 18. Children are left home at much younger ages however based on the judgement, or lack thereof, of the parent(s).
It's unfortunate that many parents fall into the latter category and leave their children or child home without proper supervision. Those parents will be held accountable by the "law" if anything should happen to cause harm to those children.
It's always a judgement call by the parent. Only you know when your child is mature enough and responsible enough to be left home alone. But you always do so with full knowledge and awareness of the risks.
jmho
ba109
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Joined: Sep 2001
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I think the legal age is 12.
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 443
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It's not easy being a single parent with no help.
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Joined: Dec 1969
Posts: 3,073
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Regardless of the age, it should be based on the child and how responsible or mature the child is. There were days I worried about leaving my son at home alone when he was 18.... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" /> <small>[ April 23, 2003, 08:36 AM: Message edited by: Susan ]</small>
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,302
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goldielocks - I think it also depends on the child. My oldest daughter is 13 - she babysits and I leave her home alone - her younger sister is 10 and today they are home alone - but my sister is right down the street - and my neighbor next door is home - They are not allowed to have anyone in the house - and if they leave the house they have to call me.. I don't really ever leave the two of them alone together because they tend to fight - but hey we will see what happens today - So far so good....
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Joined: Apr 2001
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It depends on the child. I NEVER left my 2 sons home alone even when they were teenagers because they would get into fights and misbehave. I had to be home to guard the house! However, I could leave them home alone [without the other] when they were around 13+ for a couple of hours.
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Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 750
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Legally, it depends upon which state you reside. Call the local child protective services and they will be able to tell you.
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 235
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Usually the states vary. Call and ask at what age the local protective agency stops assisting w/ child care axpenses. In Ga it is 12. I have been there, done that. Being a single parent is tough. good luck to you. tew
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Joined: Aug 2002
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IN CT I believe that you can leave a child home with a sibling that is minimally 14.
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Joined: Jun 2002
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goldie,
There is no legal age at which you can leave a minor child home alone...not in any state.
Call Social Services and ask them "at what age may I leave my minor child at home alone and not risk you coming to take them away from me?"
jmho
ba109
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 34
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Goldielocks, Below is a website that has some info www.nccic.org/faqs/homealone.htmlbut they say that you need to contact you local child services to get the info for your state. It might be helpful also to have your eldest attend babysitting classes from the Red Cross ect.
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,616
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Joined: May 2002
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Hi Goldie,
It depends upon your state. My state, has guidelines based upon age and how long they can be left alone and at what age they can watch younger siblings. (Published by my kids school in a newsletter put out at the beginning of the year). They also stress, that your childs maturity has to be taken into consideration.
My oldest can be left home for 15 mins (legally) going by his age. I however think he is too young. Then again, he will be 30 and I will probably still think he is too young (just kidding, I will let him grow up someday).
As minors, you are still responsible for their behavior. Your kids school should know, or social services. I know of someone that called our countly social service to get that information and they freely provided it.
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Joined: May 2002
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<small>[ April 23, 2003, 06:19 PM: Message edited by: Sue with hope ]</small>
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