Legal Question in Family Law in Colorado
legal age to leave child at home alone
what is the age that a child in colorado has to be to be left at home alone for 2.5 hrs a day 3 times a week? or how old must a child be to babysit another sibling ?
Thanks for your help in advance
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: legal age to leave child at home alone
In Colorado, there is no set "legal age" at which kids can stay by themselves without supervision. Much of this depends on the individual, such as how mature they are, their ability to adequately care for themselves or other children, the length of the parent's absence (i.e., long term vs. short term), etc.
For purposes of babysitting, generally the standard is age 12, although this again depends on the maturity and responsibility of the child.
Hope this helps!
Christine C. Nierenz, Esq.
Re: legal age to leave child at home alone
I agree in general with the cooments of the representative of the Harris Law Firm. Additionally, you may find this link to Colorado DHS helpful: http://www.cdhs.state.co.us/cyf/Child_Welfare/Leave_kids_alone.htm
Regards,
Steve Hart