whatm is the legal age of being home alone in va?

Answer 1

16

Answer 2

There is no legal age but most courts will say 12 is to young! In fact, 17 is too young if you decide to take off to Bermuda for a week!

It depends on how long, but 12 and under is generally the rule, as those over are coming out of their concrete stage of thinking and can think abstractly! ! I have a court case on this very issue! Younger kids have no idea of the consequences of their actions as they are unable to think in the abstract, and most don't have the life experience even if they could!

And you can't leave 13 year-olds with 3 month old babies!

Bottom line is use your head, as you could lose your children if you don't.

Answer 3

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.





Age Guidelines

7 & under Should not be left alone for any period of time. This may include leaving children unattended in cars, playgrounds, and backyards. The determining consideration would be the dangers in the environment and the ability of the caretaker to intervene.
8 to 10 yrs. Should not be left alone for more than 1½ hours and only during daylight and early evening hours.
11 to 12 yrs. May be left alone for up to 3 hours but not late at night or in circumstances requiring inappropriate responsibility.
13 to 15 yrs. May be left unsupervised, but not overnight.
16 to 17 yrs. May be left unsupervised (in some cases, for up to two consecutive overnight periods).