Leaving kids home alone

[judy31]

What is the name of your state? New York
What is the legal age that I am allowed to leave my kids home alone?

[nextwife]

Look at age PLUS maturity. How old is the child in question and how long would they be alone?

[judy31]

I'm not asking advice about a judgement call. I need to know the law.

[moburkes]

Most states don't have a law, which is why you received the answer that you did.

[Ohiogal]

Originally Posted by judy31

I'm not asking advice about a judgement call. I need to know the law.

And you were answered. How old are the kids and how long would be they alone and how mature are they?

[IrishLady47]

Only Maryland and Illinois have laws or statutes with specific ages. Many states or counties have guidelines, though. Contact your local child protective services as that would be the agency that could charge you with child neglect or endangerment. Also, this website has links & helpful information on factors to evaluate for each child and/or circumstances. [url]http://www.nccic.org/poptopics/homealone.html

[ceara19]

Originally Posted by Ohiogal

And you were answered. How old are the kids and how long would be they alone and how mature are they?

My general rule is, if you have to question whether or not the kids are old enough to be left alone, they aren't old enough to be left alone.

[Ohiogal]

Originally Posted by ceara19

My general rule is, if you have to question whether or not the kids are old enough to be left alone, they aren't old enough to be left alone.

Normally yes -- I agree with that if you are the one making the decision for your kids on your time. But if OP is mom and is ticked because dad left the kids alone and is looking to get him in trouble and pursue custody -- or something similar to that -- then that is not necessarily the rule to go by.