What is the law in Minnesota about what age a child can stay home alone?

Question

I live in Minnesota, my girls are 7&8, at what age can I start leaving them home while I run to the store?

Answer 1

Most States do not have regulations or laws about when a child is considered old enough to care for him/herself or to care for other children. Currently Illinois and Maryland have laws addressing this topic. States may have guidelines or recommendations. These guidelines are most often distributed through child protective services and are administered at the county level.

Contact Child Welfare Information Gateway at 800-394-3366, and staff there will refer you to your local child protective services agency to learn about age guidelines in your area.