Ohio (revised) – There seems to be some disagreement about what is and isn`t allowed in the state of Ohio. Some of the following comments, while not checked by the actual references of the person who went beyond their own word in the comments, and do not know if any of them have passed the Ohio Bar to scrutinize an interpretation of Ohio law, suggest that there is no regulatory age before which parents may or may not leave their child home alone. However, with many appeals to official bodies, there also seems to be an inconsistency in responses. Some social workers say 18, others say it at the discretion of the parents and/or the circumstances surrounding the case. So be proactive in your rights to raise your own child. All I do is pass on the information, no matter how contradictory, to you, the parents, to make your own informed decisions. Do you have a history idea? Share it on jill@alaskadispatch.com, Facebook or Twitter. I can`t give you legal advice anyway. All I can do is give you what CPS says about Kentucky law in general. Apart from that, the decision is yours to make with the communication and wishes of the custodial parents. Interesting. My parents let my siblings and me go home alone for a few minutes when I turned 9. We were always worried that something was wrong, but I believe that a child`s maturity should determine at what age they should be home alone and for how long.

I am surprised that most states think the same way. If you are looking for a babysitter, this service can put you in touch with qualified babysitters who have been shortlisted. I appreciate the comments. I only report what I was told by an official government agency. As with some statutes, it may be more of an interpretation for the courts. As another state agency with a similar law said, if something happens while the child under 18 is left alone, such as a fire, then CPS, etc. will use the law to lay negligence charges against the parent and/or guardian. If an electrical fire breaks out at this thought while the minor child is left home alone, it poses a „significant risk,“ as any prosecutor would argue. The American Red Cross offers childcare and childcare classes to prepare course participants with universal skills and techniques that every babysitter should have. These courses are available online for those who prefer to study as they please or in a personal classroom with access to highly qualified teachers and classroom activities.

These courses include basic care for infants and children, basic first aid, child behaviour, emergency protocols, leadership and age-appropriate activities. The Red Cross also offers CPR/AED first aid and certification courses. *The age shown is the recommended minimum age at which a child can be left home alone instead of a minimum/legal age. Rhode Island – Since I couldn`t find any written information on the subject, I called various child welfare agencies to gather information. They all agreed that while there are no laws regulating the age for leaving a child alone at home, a parent must consider child neglect and endangerment laws, since the parent or guardian is responsible for the child until he or she reaches the age of majority. You can also role-play with your child. What happens if the lights go out? Teach your child what to do and let them follow the procedures. What happens if there is a fire? Teach your child what to do again and let them practice the routine again and again.

Once you decide to leave your older child with siblings, make sure they have taken child care and CPR classes through the American Red Cross. There are safety issues that need to be considered when considering leaving your child at home. Make sure your child has phone numbers for you and other adults. Also, make sure they know how to contact emergency personnel in case of an emergency. It`s also a good idea to contact your local Red Cross and sign up your child for first aid and other safety courses. Make sure your child is familiar with fire safety rules and evacuation procedures. The same goes for severe storms. We can`t always predict the weather, so your child knows what to do in the event of a tornado, other severe storms or an earthquake? New Mexico does not have a state law setting a minimum age for a child to be home alone; However, an Albuquerque ordinance states that children under the age of 11 cannot be left home alone. The rest is ultimately a verdict of the parents of the children in need of care and the parents of the child who wants to keep the children. Age, maturity and experience with young children are important factors and first aid training.

Babysitters need to understand safety and how to respond in an emergency. A short time while you are still close to home gives you and your child the opportunity to learn how babysitting works. You can also keep this in mind for the evening.