children home alone

[tlm39]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? California

I am a divorced, working mother. I have had nannies/babysitters stay with my children when I'm working and they're not in school. I was wondering how old my children have to be before I can leave them home without my being there or without a nanny/babysitter.

 

[Just Blue]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? California

How old do children have to be to stay home alone?

Depends...What is the situation?

 

[CdwJava]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? California

I am a divorced, working mother. I have had nannies/babysitters stay with my children when I'm working and they're not in school. I was wondering how old my children have to be before I can leave them home without my being there or without a nanny/babysitter.

California has no specific age level laws for this. The bottom line is that as long as nothing happens, then it is not likely to be a problem ... if there is a problem or some harm comes to the kids, then someone could be in big trouble.

How old are your children?

- Carl

 

[tlm39]

My children are 13 ( a few weeks away from 14) and 11.5. They are both responsible and trustworthy and have had no problems. Isn't my older child old enough to watch my younger child? What legal problems could arise? Is the concern if someone were to break in or if one of my children got hurt? Neither situation would necessarily be prevented if a nanny or I were home either.

 

[CdwJava]

My children are 13 ( a few weeks away from 14) and 11.5. They are both responsible and trustworthy and have had no problems. Isn't my older child old enough to watch my younger child? What legal problems could arise? Is the concern if someone were to break in or if one of my children got hurt? Neither situation would necessarily be prevented if a nanny or I were home either.

The only problems that might arise would be if they were left alone for long periods of time (days on end, or all night) and it was reported to the authorities, or, if something bad happened.

Do the children know how to get a hold of you in an emergency? Do you have a cell phone you can be reached on while at work? The greater the ease of contact, the more reasonable it becomes to leave them alone for a time while you are at work. Now, leaving them alone while you take a ski vacation or go out all night, THAT might cause problems even if nothing happens.

Like I said, CA has no age specific laws for this. It's one of those things that is not a problem unless something happens, or someone reports it. If they have a non-custodial father who likes to stir the pot, you can bet he'll be calling the cops or CPS if they are left home alone, so you might want to anticipate this in any considerations.

- Carl

 

[tlm39]

My children have my cell and work phone numbers and the phone numbers of our neighbors who my children have known their whole lives. I have had nannies/babysitters for years watching my children, but I was wondering how old they had to be before staying home without adult supervision if I were to be at work or go to the market, for example. My ex is the type to stir the pot, but could he call the cops or CPS if I were at work or at the market for a short time?

 

[Isis1]

My children have my cell and work phone numbers and the phone numbers of our neighbors who my children have known their whole lives. I have had nannies/babysitters for years watching my children, but I was wondering how old they had to be before staying home without adult supervision if I were to be at work or go to the market, for example. My ex is the type to stir the pot, but could he call the cops or CPS if I were at work or at the market for a short time?

he absolutely could call the cops or CPS. (a pot stirrer would do so just to be a pain in the rear)

whether an investigation is warranted or not, is a different story. likelyhood, not a problem.

 

[CdwJava]

but I was wondering how old they had to be before staying home without adult supervision if I were to be at work or go to the market, for example.

Since there is no age codified into state law, it falls back to the old rule that says "if nothing happens, it's probably okay ..."

My ex is the type to stir the pot, but could he call the cops or CPS if I were at work or at the market for a short time?

Absolutely he COULD call the cops or CPS. Chances are nothing would happen that moment unless the kids say mommy is gone every night until midnight and they have to heat their own cup-a-noodles for dinner 5 nights a week ... or some such thing.

In my experience, this type of NCP WILL call the cops, or at least bring it up to CPS or the Family Court, if the kids are left alone regularly. Whether it will get any legs will depend on the length of time and frequency they are left unsupervised, what (if anything) has happened as a result of the lack of supervision, etc. For instance, he could sue that as a great excuse why HE should have custody. if he can provide care and observation during the times he is at work, then he may look better for a change of custody request.

Making arrangements with neighbors, checking in, making sure they have your work address and phone number, all these will help you out. There is no magic pill to resolve the issue as this is going to be evaluated on circumstances known or suspected at the time of any report or incident.

- Carl