Legal Question in Family Law in New York
Child neglect
My question relates to the age that a child could be allowed in a home to care for herself. I was told that the age was 12, but I believe that it is more like 14. Put it this way, at what age can a child be left home alone and the parent not be charged with endangerment or neglect....is there any exceptions at all if the ag is under 14?
3 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Child neglect
There is no per se age when you can leave a child alone. It will depend on the child. It also depends on how long you will leave the child alone. Can the child care for him/herself for an hour? Can the child care for him/herself overnight? You are best not to leave a child alone.
Re: Child neglect
In NY we have had varying answers on that question. It depends upon the specific facts of your particular circumstance. Specifically, how long was/is the child left alone. Were other adults nearby, i.e. neighbors, etc. Consider that children as young as 11 years of age can take babysitting classes and children as young as 12 years of age often babysit other children.
Re: Child neglect
The answer to this often asked question is that there is no statutory age. Each case has to be examined on a fact specific basis. I know children who are 12 and 14 who baby sit (in fact the Red Cross certified them as baby-sitters), and I know 15 year olds that should never be left alone. Important considerations are the maturity of the child, the length of time that they will be alone, the circumstances (ie. are they in a safe home), and how available assistance would be if called.
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