What is the legal age that a child can be left alone in the state in Maryland?

Answer 1

Q: "At what age can a child be left home alone in Maryland?"

A: Family Law Article, § 5-801, provides: (a) A person who is charged with the care of a child under the age of 8 years may not allow the child to be locked or confined in a dwelling, building, enclosure, or motor vehicle while the person charged is absent and the dwelling, building, enclosure, or motor vehicle is out of the sight of the person charged unless the person charged provides a reliable person at least 13 years old to remain with the child to protect the child. (b) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $500 or imprisonment not exceeding 30 days, or both. This information is available on the Web at http://www.djs.state.md.us/faq.html. For additional information, contact the DJS at 410-230-3333.

Answer 2

I read that is was 8 years old for a maximum of 2 hours. The answer above is correct. "A person who is charged with the care of a child under the age of 8 years may not allow the child to be locked or confined in a dwelling, building, enclosure or motor vehicle while the person charged is absent and the dwelling, building, enclosure or motor vehicle is out of sight of the person charged unless the person charged provides at person at least 13 years old to remain with the child to protect the child." 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.

Answer 3

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 4

From what I have learned, it seems that only the states of Illinois and Maryland have specific legislation regarding this.

The way that the law reads for the rest of the states basically says that if a child is of a reasonable age to take care of himself for a limited amount of time, then that is deemed acceptable. For example, a 12-year old could probably be left alone at home for an evening while the parents go out to a party. However, an 8-year old would probably be okay only while the parents run next door to talk with the neighbors for a few minutes.

Maryland (under the age of 8) actually have laws that set the legal ages that children can be left at home alone. However, many states, counties and Child Welfare agencies and governmental departments have put together some basic guidelines similar to these from Fairfax County, Virginia:

"Whenever any child is unsupervised/unattended the following should apply...

• There must be no emotional, medical, or behavioral problems which affect judgment or decision-making skills.
• Child must be comfortable being alone.
• Youth must have a safety plan worked out with the parent/caretaker, which includes:
  1. How to access parent or other responsible adult at all times (including knowing the parent/caretaker's whereabouts and having a telephone number where parent can be reached).
  2. What to do in case of emergency.
  3. Guidelines for acceptable behavior.
  4. Knowledge of emergency telephone numbers.
  Youth must demonstrate the ability to follow the safety plan and to make decisions that reflect concern for personal safety.

Age Guidelines7 & underShould not be left alone for any period of time. This may include leaving children unattended in cars, playgrounds, and backyards. The determining consideration would be the dangers in the environment and the ability of the caretaker to intervene.8 to 10 yrs.Should not be left alone for more than 1½ hours and only during daylight and early evening hours.11 to 12 yrs.May be left alone for up to 3 hours but not late at night or in circumstances requiring inappropriate responsibility.13 to 15 yrs.May be left unsupervised, but not overnight.16 to 17 yrs.May be left unsupervised (in some cases, for up to two consecutive overnight periods

• Does your child feel at all frightened or apprehensive about staying home alone?
• Does your child follow your instructions and your rules?
• Can you count on your child to tell you the truth?
• Can your child be counted on to stay clearheaded in an unexpected or emergency situation?
• Can you child calmly dial 911, give their full name (and yours), street address and phone number, and explain the situation?

You might feel most comfortable starting out leaving your child alone for short periods of time. Go slowly and make sure that you and your child are comfortable with the situation."

Answer 5

Legal Age The age at which a child can be left at home alone is only legislated in two states, Maryland and Illinois. The legal check is whether or not the child is safe and has the ability to take care of themselves. Most authorities agree...

Answer 6

There is no legal age set in Maryland. Most experts believe a 13 year old can be left at home for a few hours during the day. The child must be safe, feel safe and know how to handle an emergency situation.

Answer 7

Twelve years old.

Answer 8

In Maryland the law is 13 years old.

Answer 9

16