Leaving children home alone

What is the name of your state? CA

I have a simple question, and I know it sounds strange but a friend of mine thinks otherwise...

Is it unlawful (you could be arrested for) leaving your 17 yr old at home, unattended for 4 hours?

I would think not, otherwise babysitters wouldn't be legal, but a friend of mine swears her parents were arrested for the same issue.

Any clarification or insight into this would be great!

thanks

[HomeGuru]

[quote]Originally posted by axisdev
[b]What is the name of your state? CA

I have a simple question, and I know it sounds strange but a friend of mine thinks otherwise...

Is it unlawful (you could be arrested for) leaving your 17 yr old at home, unattended for 4 hours?

**A: yes, under certain circumstances.
**********
I would think not, otherwise babysitters wouldn't be legal, but a friend of mine swears her parents were arrested for the same issue.

**A: what were the specifc details and the counts? Under what law were her parents arrested for?
************
Any clarification or insight into this would be great!

thanks

**A: we need more info to be able to help you.

No special circumstances involved, lets say you (the parent) make a trip to the store, while your 17yr old is at home, and you arrive back 4 hours later.

I am not aware of the specifics of my friend's situation, but I am trying to understand if in most cases, it is illegal.

[VeronicaGia]

You can leave a 17 year old home alone. In fact, in most states the age is 12.

The 17 year old isn't mentally or physically challenged, correct? If not, don't worry about it.

Here most child care providers stop taking kids between ages 10to 12 so if it was not lawfull to have a 17 yr old at home by them selfs then do you know how may family's would be in trouble. they are almost an adult in most states. taking into consideration if the child had problmes like VG said.

is your friend feeding you a line??