When are kids allowed to stay home alone? Here’s what the law is in Illinois

Parents of children who need to run a quick errand may often dream of choosing not to fight with their children during a short trip to the store, but how old are the children? legally needs to be to stay home alone?

While most states leave the decision up to parents’ discretion, Illinois is one of the few states with an established legal guideline on the issue.

“Illinois law defines a neglected minor, in part, as ‘any minor under 14 years of age whose parent or other person responsible for the minor’s welfare leaves him or her unsupervised for an unreasonable period of time without regard to the minor’s physical or mental health. . , safety or well-being of that minor’”, according to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).

The state defines an “unreasonable” period of time with different variables, an Illinois DCFS spokesperson told TODAY.com.

“Does the caregiver leave them alone for two hours or five days? Who else is the child responsible for caring for, if anyone? the spokesperson said. “Does the child have adequate food and shelter and is he or she in a safe environment? Do they know how to contact medical staff if necessary? Do they know what to do in an emergency?

Neighboring Indiana does not offer any specific age regarding the legal question.

“A parent is ultimately responsible for the supervision of his or her child until the child turns 18,” states the Indiana State Government. “Parents often leave their children unattended at a younger age or allow children under 18 to care for other children. Under 18, the law gives parents discretion to make these decisions based on perceived risk and weighing factors such as the child’s maturity, physical environmental risks, etc.

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When is it okay to leave children home alone?

Generally, 12 or older is “a pretty acceptable age,” says family therapist Sheryl Ziegler says TODAY.comechoing the range recommended from the American Academy of Pediatrics. According to Ziegler, tweens have typically experienced moments of independence like walking to a friend’s house or the bus stop.

Of course, it depends on your child. Parents should think about the child’s comfort level, maturity, physical and emotional health, environment, access to support, and whether older or younger siblings will be present.

If you want to take the leap, know your state law (and all its nuances) to avoid accidentally committing child neglect.

“Many states’ child protection laws classify ‘failure to provide adequate supervision of a child’ as child neglect,” according to the US Department of Health and Human Services. “But in most cases, states do not define what is considered ‘adequate supervision.'”

Then, ask these questions before taking what Ziegler calls “a thoughtful, calculated risk.”

Is my child emotionally ready?

Even if you trust your child, they may not be prepared for this milestone. See if they are comfortable and interested in a daytime experiment, which Ziegler says should not exceed 30 to 45 minutes.

“You could say, ‘Your brother is too busy with sports and I know you hate going with me. “You’re starting to show signs that I can trust you to stay home alone for a short period of time,” says Ziegler, author of “The Crunch Years: The Essential Guide to Mental Health and Modern Puberty in Middle Childhood ( 6 years). -12).”

He adds: “Some kids are excited and some are scared, in which case this is not a topic you want to push.”

You should feel confident that your child follows the rules and respects limits; Even if you place him in front of a device, he may snoop around in people’s rooms, access adult content online, or play with matches, Ziegler says, and recommends that parents not drink alcohol. , tobacco and weapons under lock and key.

Is my child a problem solver?

“Can your child do basic things by himself?” Ziegler asks.

Before being left home alone, children should be self-sufficient to some degree, able to prepare a meal, use the bathroom independently, clean a cut and put on a Band-Aid, Ziegler says.

Do children understand that they should not open the door to anyone, whether they are delivery drivers, lawyers or people they know? Do they know how to stay inside the house and not go out? If your child can’t answer these questions correctly, teach him the rules.

Does my child have support?

Your child should memorize your phone number, home address, and any building access codes, as well as how and when to call 911.

While you’re away from home, “check in with your child halfway, but don’t overdo it or they won’t feel confident,” Ziegler says. Or ask a neighbor to stop by, as long as your child knows who to expect.

Also, charge all electronic devices so your child has connection to the outside world.