Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, March 28, 1995 TAG: 9503280037
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: RAY REED
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
A.B., Troutville
A: Most of the child-care authorities we asked would like to know the answer themselves.
The law doesn't say when it's safe, legally or physically, for a youngster to be home alone.
The best answer is good judgment by the parents. Two key factors are maturity and security.
``Parents just need to use common sense,'' said Burwell Ewell of Roanoke's Child Protective Services. He is used to the question, ``What age can I leave a child alone and you guys not bother me?''
There is no easy answer. In his 18 years of professional experience, Ewell occasionally has met a parent who wants authorities to take responsibility so the parent won't have to make a decision.
The first factor to consider is maturity. Will the child stay in the house and follow instructions?
If Ewell gets a report that a youth is being neglected, he usually asks these questions:
Is there an adult relative nearby - or a retired neighbor, perhaps - and can the child call for help?
Is at least one parent reachable easily by telephone? Does mom or dad check in after the child is supposed to have arrived home?
Does the child know what to do if (1) a fire occurs? (2) he or she falls and gets hurt? (3) a stranger approaches the house?
Time of day matters. A youngster who is alone for three hours after school is in less danger than another who might be on his own during a 3-to-11 p.m. shift.
Security is the second major factor. Child Protective Services is more likely to act if a child is alone in a neighborhood where shootings or drug activity have occurred.
Household safety matters, too. Is the heat on?
Sibling care by an older child is a separate issue.
The one giving the care needs a bit more maturity, especially if a toddler is involved.
An 11-year-old, who might be OK alone for two hours, would be in a dangerous situation watching three siblings ages 5, 6 and 8, Ewell said.
Some 16-year-olds can't handle such a responsibility. They can be flaky and not know what to do, Ewell said.
A younger child who knows when to call 911 and how to perform first aid might be a better care giver.
Corinne Gott, Roanoke's social services director, said the 12-14 age bracket is a really gray area for deciding whether a child is capable of being left alone.
Without saying there's a cutoff age where protective services drops out, Gott mentioned that the Social Services Department stops providing day care for normally developed children after age 12.
Many day-care centers accept children only through fifth grade. The Red Cross provides baby-sitting classes starting at age 11.
On the other hand, Gott pointed out that a 14-year-old still is legally considered to be a child.|
Got a question about something that might affect other people, too? Something you've come across and wondered about? Give us a call at 981-3118. Maybe we can find the answer.
by CNB