Legal Question in Family Law in West Virginia

Legal Age a minor can be left alone

Need to know what the minimum age a minor is allowed to stay home alone or to babysit is in WV. Have a checked the code, could it be in Admin Ag of Child Services?


Asked on 11/21/99, 4:41 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Jonathan Schiff Self employed

Re: Legal Age a minor can be left alone

In Ohio there is no statute and no particular age. It is a matter of judgment. If the child is self reliant enough to be safely left alone then it would not be neglect or abuse to do so. On the other hand some adults can't be left unsupervised. Also a lot depends on circumstances. An hour or so during the day is obviously a lot different than all night.

Babysitting is a little different. Obviously the child needs to be responsible and know what to do in an emergency. But I have seen children as young as 10 or 11 babysitting without a problem. Common sense is probably the best guide here.

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Answered on 11/28/99, 9:17 pm


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