Child Laws for Being Home Alone

Depending on where you live, you may want to think twice before leaving your child at home alone, even for only a few minutes. In some cases, it is illegal to leave a minor under a stipulated age alone without appropriate supervision.

  1. Laws and Regulations

    • Very few U.S. states impose age limits for children staying home alone, with Illinois and Maryland being two exceptions. Illinois stipulates that a child must be at least 14 years old, while the age limit in Maryland is 8 years old. In addition, North Carolina (8) and Oregon (10) have similar but less specific laws. Many other states suggest guidelines for parental consideration.

    Recommendations and Guidelines

    • The recommendations and guidelines for leaving a child at home significantly vary by state. These recommendations typically range between the ages of 8 and 14. Parents can obtain the specific recommended age from their local Department of Health and Family Services office.

    Other Considerations

    • Leaving a child home alone can have serious legal implications if doing so places them at risk of harm. Factors considered include the duration of time alone and whether the child is capable of caring for himself; legal implications will vary based on the individual case.

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