How old does a child have to be to be left alone at their home?

Question

In California, for a few hours during the day

Answer 1

It's usually between 9 and 11.

Answer 2

States have different laws. You have to think Civil and Criminal, they may be of different ages.

The one thing on the civil side you have to look at, is maturity. Is your 10 or 11 year old mature enough to be home. Also, you need to look at how long the child will be left alone, how often, and at what time of the day. There is a difference between a latch-key kid and a kid that has to stay at home till 3 in the morning.

So, there are a lot of factors to look into, but start by calling the local non-emergency law enforcement, and then whatever CPS program you have in your area.

Answer 3

The State Codes for California do not provide a specific age that I could find. Here is the statute for child neglect and the description. There may be generally accepted guidelines or even city ordinances in you location. I would say that usually something like this is decided by the "totallity of the circumstance" meaning that each case is taken seperately, based upon age, maturity, duration, etc.



11165.2.
(b) "General neglect" means the negligent failure of a person
having the care or custody of a child to provide adequate food,
clothing, shelter, medical care, or supervision where no physical
injury to the child has occurred.

Answer 4

I don't understand why so many people ask this question. Only you know if your child is responsible and mature enough to be left home alone.
My parents first left me home alone when I was 11, along with my 10 year old sister, for about an hour while they went to an assembly at our school.

Answer 5

Legally? I dont know. My dad left me home alone for about an hour or so starting at about 9 years old. Once I got to middle school (11yrs old) I rode the bus home from school by myself, and stayed alone until about 5 or 6, when my parents got home. Thats a few hours. As long as you think your child is responsible enough to not burn the house down or injure themselves

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Answer 6

It is not possible to make a general statement about when a child should be left home alone. The child's maturity, level of responsibility and their ability to make sound judgment calls all factor in that decision.

Answer 7

Check the laws of the staate of California but I believe state law requires a child be at least 13 to be left alone. It will also depend on the maturity level of the child. Is the child responsible and can he/she be trusted to follow the rules when no one is there to enforce them?

Answer 8

10-12

Answer 9

I didn't know there was a law. In Cali, its probably older than a lot of states. I would guess 11 or 12.

Answer 10

now adays in CA no child is safe. I wouldn't even try till 14 and then it depends on the child.