Legal Question in Family Law in Maryland

Is it illegal for my 8 yr old & 11 yr old grandchildren to be left at home alone by their mother beginning at 4 am. She wants to leave them at 4 am & have them prepare theirselves for breakfast & school by themselves. She then wants them to walk to school by themselves. We live in Queen Anne's County, Maryland. Please help me with this question. She is trying to use the "latch-key children" laws but I don't believe the laws are designed for this type of situation. They were to be for short periods of time starting when the chlidren left school until their parent(s) got home from work.


Asked on 5/07/12, 12:06 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Sher Wagshal and Sher

The criminal code protects children under 8 from being left alone in a building or auto. I suggest you contact social services in your QA county to see if they are willing to intervene to investigate on a "neglected children" basis.

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Answered on 5/07/12, 8:39 am


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