Can your kids be home alone during summer break? What Kentucky law says

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7 days ago

Note: A version of this story first published in July 2024.
It might be for a quick trip to the grocery store or because of an 8-hour work day, but all parents eventually ask themselves: "Can I leave my kid home alone?" For that matter, is it legal in Kentucky?
Here's what the law says in the Bluegrass State about leaving children home by themselves, and what parents might want to consider regarding their child's welfare before shutting the door and stepping away for a few hours.
Technically, there is no Kentucky law in that prevents children from being left home alone. Parents have discretion on when it's appropriate to do so based on the maturity level of their children. There are, however, consequences if a child suffers harm as a result of neglect.
Kentucky statute KRS 600.020 determines what constitutes as child abuse and neglect, said Mike Wynn, a spokesperson with the Legislative Research Commission, to The Courier Journal in previous reporting.
Abuse or neglect occurs when a child's "health or welfare is harmed or threatened with harm" as a result of actions from their parent or person in charge. This includes not providing adequate care, supervision, or food and abusing the minor, according to the statute.
While Kentucky doesn't have a specific age for when kids can or can't be left alone, children, according to SafeKids.org, are generally ready to be left unsupervised around age 12-13.
Granted, children develop at different rates. There's no "magic age" when a kid becomes suddenly responsible enough to be left by themselves for long hours at a time. What it really comes down to, experts say, is maturity.
Children, experts say, should have several basic skills before becoming latchkey kids, which include knowing the following:
How to lock and unlock a door.
How to respond if a stranger knocks or calls.
How to apply basic first aid.
How to be safe in the kitchen.
How to make themselves a snack.
What to do in an emergency situation if there's a fire or tornado.
Of critical importance: they must have a reliable method of communication to call their parent or guardian, or 9-1-1.
Experts recommend parents assess their child's needs, which begins with a conversation. Does your child want to be alone? For other considerations, the Children's Service Society of Utah has this checklist:
Mentally, can your child:
Tell time?
Recognize danger and know when to get help?
Understand clearly what 'stranger' and 'emergency' mean?
Solve problems on his or her own?
Consider how his or her actions affect others?
Physically, is your child able to:
Lock and unlock doors and windows in your home?
Do self-care tasks, such as making a sandwich, dialing the phone and writing messages?
Socially, does your child:
Solve conflicts with siblings with little help from adults?
Talk easily to you about school, friends and about his or her feelings?
Feel confident enough to contact an adult if a problem arises?
Emotionally, does your child:
Feel confident and secure when alone?
Seem willing to stay alone for short periods? For longer periods?
Know how to handle fear, loneliness or boredom?
Handle responsibilities, such as going to school on time?
Know how to look out for younger siblings?
Before you leave your child, show them:
Where things are in the house and how they work (circuit breaker, etc).
Where the flashlight and first aid kit are located.
Things in the house that may make strange noises.
How to be safe in the kitchen, including turning off the stove.
Who to call or where to go if there is a problem.
What they need to do as soon as they get home (lock the door, call you, etc).
What gas smells like when it is leaking (if applicable) and what to do.
Practice with your child:
Safe ways to answer the phone and the door.
How to get out if there's a fire.
Locking and unlocking doors.
Prepare for your child:
A phone list of people they know well and can call if they need help.
A list of house rules (for moments when friends arrive at the door).
Healthy snack foods they can make without cooking.
An extra key hidden outside in case they lock themselves out.
Fun things for each child to do when they get home.
Leave on lights or radio as pre-planned with them.
Protect your child:
Lock up medicines, alcohol and weapons.
Install smoke detectors and make sure they work.
Let them know what time you will be home; call if you will be late.
Ask them how things went; allow them to suggest changes in these plans.
Kentucky law requires anyone who suspects child abuse or neglect to contact authorities and make a report. If it's an emergency, call 9-1-1. Otherwise, call toll-free [phone]/(877) KYSAFE1, or [phone].
You can make a report online for a non-emergency situations at KY.gov's online portal, which is monitored from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday, according to KY.gov. Reports will not be reviewed during evenings, weekends or state holidays.
John Tufts covers trending news for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Send him a news tip at [e-mail]. Find him on BlueSky at JohnWritesStuff.
This article originally appeared on Henderson Gleaner: Is it legal to leave your kid home alone in Kentucky? What the law says