Leaving Your Child Home Alone

Series Title: Factsheets for Families

Author(s): Child Welfare Information Gateway

Year Published: 2018

(PDF - 223 KB)

Every parent eventually faces the decision to leave his or her child home alone for the first time. This factsheet provides some questions for parents to consider before leaving their children home alone as well as tips to help make the experience safe and successful for all. Resources for more information are also included.

Suggested Citation: Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2018). Leaving your child home alone. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Children's Bureau.

This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information Gateway.

We also recommend the following Information Gateway publications:

Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect
(Factsheets)
What Is Child Abuse and Neglect? Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms
(Factsheets)
Definitions of Child Abuse and Neglect
(State Statutes)

Suggested Citation: Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2018). Leaving your child home alone. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Children's Bureau.

This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information Gateway.