For children with normal mental capabilities: Ages 7 and under cannot be left alone for any period of time. Children ages 8 through 9 can be left in their home alone for up to 2 hours. Children 10 through 13 can be left alone for up to 12 hours. Children 14 to 17 can be left at home up to 24 hours with adequate adult back-up supervision (an adult willing to take legal responsibility preferably within 5 miles). For children that are mentally handicapped you have to go by their maturity age and not their chronological age
There are very few states in the U.S. with legal minimum ages for children home alone, but many state agencies have published guidelines. Georgia, Illiniois, Maryland and Oregon are a few of the states with specific ages mentioned in their laws.
12 years of age appears to be the most common recommendation. Below in Related Links is an article entitled Home Alone Children Legal Age Limits state by state comparison with references.
One guideline from a California child welfare representative suggests that 8 year olds and over can be left at home for a brief amount of time(such as just after school). The most common statement is that a child's maturity should be the determining factor and not just age.
A child must be at least 12 years old to stay home alone in Delaware. At this age, they can also babysit other children and siblings.
you must be 12 to stay home alone
A child must be at least 8 years old to stay home alone in Georgia. At this age and in this state, they can babysit siblings as well.
Only two states have legislated a specific age to leave a child home alone, Illinois and Maryland. Generally speaking, the child must be safe, must feel safe, and know how to take care of themselves in an emergency. Most places believe that 12 or 13 is okay to leave home alone for a couple of hours during daylight hours.
It is against Florida state law for an 11 year old to be left home alone with a sibling. A child must be 12 before they can stay home alone and 15 before the are permitted to babysit.
the child must know the rules of the house and have security:10 yrs
A child must be at least 12 years old to stay home alone in Delaware. At this age, they can also babysit other children and siblings.
12!
you must be 12 to stay home alone
A child must be at least 8 years old to stay home alone in Georgia. At this age and in this state, they can babysit siblings as well.
No! A child has to be 10 years ol to stay home alone!
Only two states have legislated a specific age to leave a child home alone, Illinois and Maryland. Generally speaking, the child must be safe, must feel safe, and know how to take care of themselves in an emergency. Most places believe that 12 or 13 is okay to leave home alone for a couple of hours during daylight hours.
A child must be at least 11 years old to stay home alone in Michigan. They can also babysit other children and siblings at this age.
The legal age to stay home alone is 12 years
According to the Office of the New Zealand Childrens' Commissioner, a child must be 14 years old to be left at home alone or in charge of younger children.
In MD a babysitter must be at least 13 and/or have there babysitting certification. But, any child 8 and older can be left home alone.
It is against Florida state law for an 11 year old to be left home alone with a sibling. A child must be 12 before they can stay home alone and 15 before the are permitted to babysit.