Most states do not have regulations or laws for when a child is considered old enough to care for him/herself or to care for other children. Illinois and Maryland are the only two states that have laws concerning this topic. Other states may just have guidelines or recommendations. Such guidelines are often promoted through child protective services and administered at the county level.
Please contact the National Clearninghouse on Child Abuse & Neglect Information at 1-800-394-3366. The staff will refer you to the local child protective services agency to learn more about age guidelines in your community.
The American Red Cross has a Babysitter's Training Course designed for 11 to 15 year olds. Topics and lessons include interviewing for a babysitting job; choosing safe and age appropriate games and toys; preventing injuries and preparing for an emergency; performing first aid; diapering and feeding technique; handling bedtime issues, and marketing yourself safely. To enroll you or your teenager, please contact a lcoal American Red Cross chapter. Additional information is at: http://www.redcross.org/services/hss/courses/babyindex.html
Please visit my other blog on critical information everyone should know related to this topic and the protection of children at: http://www.progressiveu.org/190000-critical-information-every-person-should-know
I have also attached a pdf file for further information on children being home alone and babysitting. Thank you!
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| Attachment | Size |
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| homealone.pdf | 115.37 KB |
Please visit my other blog related to this topic in promoting safety in our communities at:
http://www.progressiveu.org/190000-june-2006-marks-10th-anniversary-of-n...
To learn how you can help a latchkey child, please visit my other blog at:
http://www.progressiveu.org/141941-latchkey-children
Thank you!