As children grow older, many families struggle to decide when their child is mature enough to stay home alone and care for themselves or for other children. This decision often causes concerns about appropriate supervision and child neglect. The following resources provide tips to parents making the decision to leave their child home alone and address issues around supervision and neglect, including State and local examples. Foster parents should refer to their State guidelines before making decisions on supervision.
Child Abuse and Neglect Experts’ Determination of When a Child Being Left Home Alone Constitutes Child Neglect
Denning, Evans, Jennissen, & Oral (2018)
Injury Epidemiology, 5(16)
Reports the findings of a survey of American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Child Abuse and Neglect members and their determination of the presence of abuse or neglect for different scenarios. The survey concludes by stressing the need for child home laws across States.
How Young Is Too Young To Be Home Alone?
Arlington County Child and Family Services
Lists guidelines developed by professionals in collaboration with the community that represent the minimal acceptable standards for the supervision of children.
Leaving Your Child Home Alone
Dowshen (2018)
Kids Health
Explains what to consider when determining what age to leave a child home unsupervised, strategies for testing out the process, knowledge that your child should poses prior to leaving them without supervision, and how to prepare your child and home prior to leaving.
No Child Left Alone: Moral Judgments about Parents Affect Estimates of Risk to Children
Sarnecka, Stanford, & Thomas (2016)
Presents the results from six studies on the role of moral judgement in determining child endangerment when children are left alone unsupervised. The report concludes with implications for children home alone public policy.
State and local examples
How Young Is Too Young To Be Home Alone?
Arlington County Child and Family Services
Lists guidelines developed by professionals in collaboration with the community that represent the minimal acceptable standards for the supervision of children.
Preparing Your Children to Stay Home Alone
Illinois Department of Children and Family Services
Provides information on how to tell if your child is ready to stay home alone, establishing a trial period for your child, and the Illinois laws related to children staying home without supervision.
When to Leave Your Kids Home Alone
Florida Department of Children and Families
Provides guidance on making the decision to leave your child home without supervision, including questions families should ask prior making the decision and safety tips to ensure a child’s safety when they are home alone.