What is the legal age kids can stay home alone in Georgia?

Answer 1

In Georgia, the age of majority is 18, meaning that anyone under 18 cannot sign Contracts or Leases (get an apartment, for instance), so a child cannot be kicked out until age 18; however, due to the age a child can go to prison in Georgia being 17, a child may leave on his/her own at age 17 and cannot be forced to return. So, the answer is 17.

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The answer is not 17. A 17-year-old in GA (and probably every state) can be charged as an adult if they commit a crime, but that has nothing to do with the age of majority. A 17-year-old is still a minor. They gain the rights of an adult at 18. Until 18, they are subject to the control and authority of their parents (so their parents get to decide where they live) UNLESS they have been legally emancipated in some manner such as marriage (which requires parental consent) or court decree (which is rarely granted).

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Not true! Yes, you are not an adult until 18; however, in Georgia, you can leave home at age 17. You cannot be kicked out until age 18, but you can leave at 17, and no one will force you to return. Call the police and ask them. Or better yet, call DEFACS.

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I'm not wrong. You're giving people inaccurate legal answers. I'm not basing my answer on what someone told me, I'm basing my answer on the actual law. If the police refuse to do their job and bring the runaway home, it is a very easy matter for the parents to get a court order requiring them to do their job.

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I am from Georgia, and I moved out when I was 17. I was not forced to return and I simply lived with my best friend until I was old enough to get my own place. To my understanding the only requirement is that you can move out and you do not have to go back, but the police can come find where you are and they have to notify your parents of the address. But that was it. In many cases I wouldn't suggest this, but I had very good reason, especially since the Georgia DFACS system failed me miserably. I would suggest a program ran out of Rockdale County called Elks Aidmore for anyone considering this.

Answer 2

Legal AgeThere are very few states in the U.S. with legal minimum ages for children home alone, but many state agencies have published guidelines. Illiniois, Maryland and Oregon are a few of the states with specific ages specified in their laws.

Below in Related Links is an article entitled Home Alone Children Legal Age Limits which provides one guideline from a California agency representative who suggests that 8 year olds and over can be left at home for up to several hours (usually after school before a parent gets home from work). This site also provides a state by state comparison with references.

Answer 3

According to the Georgia Division of Family & Children Services, via the website Latchkey Kids, a child of 8 years old can be left alone, but GA has no legal age set.

NOTE: Always contact an attorney in your local area to confirm the Laws in your State and jurisdiction and to obtain legal advice.

Answer 4

Assuming you mean leave home as in moving out, 18. You can move out younger if you are legally emancipated or with parental permission.