is there a federal law or state law where you have to be X years of age so that u can be home alone. My sister in-law takes care of my 3 month old for few hours a day, and im not sure if thats ok. She is 14, shes very good with babies, i know that for sure.
2007-06-06 11:08:52 · 4 answers · asked by george 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Most states do not give a specific age. Generally, when someone calls the police to report this as neglect they will show up and check the welfare of the children. They will write a report and send it to the appropriate office. (With us we sent it to a detective who specialized in family and DV issues).
The police would document the general cleanliness of the home and whether there was enough food. They would also check for any obvious hazards. (I went into a home onetime where there were about 30 steak knives laying everywhere and broken glass). They would also want to know how long the children were left alone, if there were contact numbers, how long it would take for the mother to return, if there were neighbors that agreed to provide assistance. they will even make an assessment of the maturity of the 14 year old. There are a lot of factors to include in such a report.
14 is probably old enough for short periods of time. Hours is a bit too much.
2007-06-06 11:25:09 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
There usually isn't a limit but common sense. A 14 year old can babysit, but not for any long period of time. Overnights are OUT!
If I found a babysitter sitting a 3 month old overnight I would warn the parent first, and if I caught them again I would file a petition of neglect as they can obviously not make good decisions!
A 3 month old is not the same as a 6 year old, another FACT you need to consider!
You can't leave 14 year olds alone with regards to themselves for long periods of time. They did not have the capacity to make decisions that require reasoning as most have no experience with things like fire!
We had a 16 yo JD who was not suppose to be living with her father and the worker was not on top of it! Well, the trailers propane tank blew and killed the kid. She was alone!
2007-06-06 18:15:59 · answer #2 · answered by cantcu 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes she can watch your babay for a few hours day. as long as she thas the proper tranning. like babysitting classies thay offer them with the red cross & some time at the hopsital. that is somthing you might want to check into
2007-06-06 18:15:25 · answer #3 · answered by kayla o 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Last I heard you have to be 12 to babysitt in Cali.
2007-06-06 18:32:24 · answer #4 · answered by Jenn aka JDub 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋