Children stay at home alone.

[Birdbrain69]

How old does a child have to be before he or she can stay at home alone? I'm in Missouri if that matters. Thanks

 

[LegalBeagle]

How old does a child have to be before he or she can stay at home alone? I'm in Missouri if that matters. Thanks

Most states do not have a legal age and those that do follow defined points in determining if the child is being neglected. These may not be the exact points in MO but give you an idea..

(1) the age of the minor;
(2) the number of minors left at the location;
(3) special needs of the minor, including whether the minor is physically or mentally handicapped, or otherwise in need of ongoing prescribed medical treatment such as periodic doses of insulin or other medications;
(4) the duration of time in which the minor was left without supervision;
(5) the condition and location of the place where the minor was left without supervision;
(6) the time of day or night when the minor was left without supervision;
(7) the weather conditions, including whether the minor was left in a location with adequate protection from the natural elements such as adequate heat or light;
(8) the location of the parent or guardian at the time the minor was left without supervision, the physical distance the minor was from the parent or guardian at the time the minor was without supervision;
(9) whether the minor's movement was restricted, or the minor was otherwise locked within a room or other structure;
(10) whether the minor was given a phone number of a person or location to call in the event of an emergency and whether the minor was capable of making an emergency call;
(11) whether there was food and other provision left for the minor;
(12) whether any of the conduct is attributable to economic hardship or illness and the parent, guardian or other person having physical custody or control of the child made a good faith effort to provide for the health and safety of the minor;
(13) the age and physical and mental capabilities of the person or persons who provided supervision for the minor;
(14) whether the minor was left under the supervision of another person;
(15) any other factor that would endanger the health and safety of that particular minor.

 

[MySonsMom]

Very nice LB...That was very informative.