Legal Question in Family Law in Texas

Leagal age to leave child home to babysit?

What is the legal age to remove a child from school for a day or several days to babysit a child under the age of five?


Asked on 1/20/01, 6:35 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Alvin Lundgren Alvin R. Lundgren, L.C.

Re: Leagal age to leave child home to babysit?

There is no law of which I am aware which provides the answer. However, in order to care for a younger sibling the tending child needs to be of a sufficient age and responsibility - probably at least 12 or older.

Note you cannot regularly keep a school age child out of school to tend children - that is not allowed, and you can be held responsible. It is ok for once in a great while, but if it occurs frequently you will probably hear from the school district, DFS or some other social service agency.

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Answered on 2/14/01, 11:51 am


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