There are very few states in the U.S. with legal minimum ages for children home alone, but many state agencies have published guidelines. Georgia, Illiniois, Maryland and Oregon are a few of the states with specific ages mentioned in their laws.
12 years of age appears to be the most common recommendation. Below in Related Links is an article entitled Home Alone Children Legal Age Limits state by state comparison with references.
One guideline from a California child welfare representative suggests that 8 year olds and over can be left at home for a brief amount of time(such as just after school). The most common statement is that a child's maturity should be the determining factor and not just age.
In Ohio, there is no specific age limit set for latchkey kids. It is up to parents or guardians to determine if their child is mature and responsible enough to be left alone at home. However, the general guideline is around 12 years old. It is important to consider the child's maturity, safety, and ability to handle emergencies before making this decision.
Carol A Hartman has written: 'Comparing a school sponsored latchkey program and self care' -- subject(s): School-age child care, Latchkey children
Waln K. Brown has written: 'The other side of delinquency' 'Latchkey Kids'
They must be 5 before September 1st, but can be as old as 8 before they start.
The age of Consent in Pa. is 18
My Lady's Latchkey - 1921 was released on: USA: January 1921
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 Latchkey Kids 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.
The Latchkey Players - 2013 was released on: USA: 1 May 2013
The Forgotten Latchkey - 1913 was released on: USA: 7 June 1913
ma and pa
It's 17 in PA.
latchkey