What is the legal age for children to stay home alone in Kansas?

Answer 1

Most places I've lived it has been 12. HOWEVER, if you have a child who is at all unpredictable or who has inconsistent judgement, I do not recommend you allow them to be at home alone on a regular basis. The problem is that they may be okay for a couple of days, but as they get more comfortable with the situation, they try out new things. Having to have them in after school care or an alternative becomes a pain, especially since they usually just want to be home, but is worthwhile in that you save anxiety and having to fix situations they find themselves in. If you must leave them home alone, set ground rules for contact when they get home, chores, homework and expectations regarding having friends over, or visiting their friends. It is best to stick to your guns either way.

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 that leaving a 12 year old alone at home for an hour or two is acceptable, but they should not be responsible for other children. Kansas has no legal age limit on a home alone child. "Safe Kids Kansas recommends that children be supervised until they are at least 12 years old and have demonstrated good judgment and risk awareness around the home."- Kansas Department of Health and Environment 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 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.

Answer 2

Kentucky, like the vast majority of states, has not legislated this topic. There is no legal age prescribed for allowing a child to be home alone. There are very few states in the U.S. with legal minimum ages, but many state agencies have published guidelines (Georgia, Illiniois, Maryland and Oregon are a few of the states with very specific ages). Typically 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).

12 years old appears to be the most common recommendation. http://www.latchkey-kids.com/latchkey-kids-age-limits.htm provides a state by state comparison.

Answer 3

There is not a law which states a certain age that a child can be left home overnight. However, most children under twelve should not be left alone. Children's services could be called if you leave a child home alone. Even 12 year old children are too young in case of emergency to be left alone.

Answer 4

There is no age limit. I think there used to be but not anymore. Though you of course can't leave a child like 3 or 4 because THAT'S ILLEGAL but if it's like 10,11 or 12 that's ok. It's good to take a course for home alone. It is reccomended for 10 and over but 8 year Olds and 9 year can take it too. Some parents even let 8 year olds stay on there own if they are mature enough. I do not reccomend that!! It is better if you have taken a course.

Answer 5

well it should be about 15 years or older