Legal Age To Leave Child Home Alone

Experts believe a child should be at least 12 before he is left alone and at least 15 before he can care for a younger brother or sister.

Legal age to leave child home alone. Not every child is ready then. Are permitted to be home alone only during daylight and early morning hours for no later than 1 and hours. Ages 13 to 15.

The national society for the prevention of cruelty to children nspcc says. Though you could legally leave a child home alone at any age it is wise to use discretion and assess your child s level of maturity and development. Can be left alone during the day for up to 3 hours but not late at night.

They trust you to use your judgment as to safety and readiness. Let your child know that he may change his mind and go back to after school care if he chooses. Ages 11 to 12.

The ranges and the number of states that abide by these ages are. Leaving a child home alone and the law only a couple of states specify a legal age to leave a child home alone including maryland age 8 and illinois age 14. One of the three states to have a law on the books maryland requires that no child be left alone under any circumstances if the child is under the age of 8.

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. Are permitted to be left unsupervised but not overnight and. When your child is ready.

Before your child stays home alone write out the house rules and put them in an easy to find place. These are the minimum ages. Mississippi delaware and colorado.