Im in Illinois if that helps
2007-07-10 05:26:48 · 19 answers · asked by Lilly K 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
15-16 in the UK but I'm unsure of the US
2007-07-10 05:28:36 · answer #1 · answered by stinkypinkyteddybear 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I don't think there is a legal age when you can babysit. You should usually be atleast 13 years old though. It's pretty much up to the parents of the children you want to babysit to decide if you're old enough or not. I live in illinois and my sister babysits all the time...and she's only 13.
2007-07-10 05:30:36 · answer #2 · answered by gibsongtar101 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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.
Preparing Children to Stay Alone (May 2001), by the Illinois Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS), has the following information about the legal age to be left home alone in Illinois:
What is lack of supervision?
Illinois law defines a neglected minor, in part, as "any minor under the age of 14 years whose parent or other person responsible for the minor's welfare leaves the minor without supervision for an unreasonable period of time without regard for the mental or physical health, safety or welfare of that minor."
Juvenile Court Act, 705 ILCS 405/2-3(1)(d)
How long may a child be left alone?
What is appropriate under certain circumstances may be considered child neglect in other circumstances.
While recognizing that many factors may apply, Illinois law lists 15 specific factors to be considered when deciding whether a child has been left alone for an unreasonable period of time.
This information is available on the Web at http://www.state.il.us/dcfs/docs/alone.doc.
If you would like to contact the Il DCFS, go here: http://www.state.il.us/dcfs/contactUs.shtml
2007-07-10 05:36:00 · answer #3 · answered by Beeswax 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
13
2007-07-10 05:29:50 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
16
2007-07-10 05:28:49 · answer #5 · answered by dr.macgruder 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I grew up in Illinois and baby sat for neighbors kids (and got paid) from about 12 upwards. I suppose people have gotten more uptight with all the reported child abuse. At that time, the parents had to accept that you were responsible and usually took knowing you or your parents as the standard or a reference from someone else who used you. I never took care of infants and the expectation was that older girls with infant experience with sisters/brothers were chosen.
2007-07-10 05:32:15 · answer #6 · answered by Mike1942f 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it is 11 that you can take a babysitters class and you are legally allowed to babysit. That is when I started at least!
2007-07-10 05:34:44 · answer #7 · answered by swimmingis2fun 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually around 13 depending on maturity. I started when I was 13 and continued up till 18. But if you are still unsure try calling your local law enforcement office!
2007-07-10 05:30:53 · answer #8 · answered by lookin4hope 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think 12 or something. i started when i was 11 thought. you can babysit family earlier tho. dont know if that helps. if u feel comfortable and the parents trust u it should be ok. have u taken a course? b/c that really helps.
2007-07-10 05:29:26 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
woot im from illinois too
when i was in the fifth grade they taught a baby sitting class
so 11?
but that seems incredibly young
2007-07-10 05:30:09 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on local rules and your training.
In michigan it was 14 unless you had the safety course and a CPR course, then it was 12 or 13...
2007-07-10 05:30:22 · answer #11 · answered by justpucky 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋