Can you leave your kids home alone in Indiana? What the law says, what experts recommend

Indianapolis Star

3 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 Indiana?
Here's what the law says in the Hoosier 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.
Story continues after photo gallery.
Technically, there's no law in the Indiana Code that prevents children from being left home alone. Hoosier 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.
Parents and legal guardians in Indiana are ultimately responsible, the law says, for the welfare of their children until age 18. Neglect of a dependent carries felony charges that include stiff penalties and potential jail time.
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.
The Indiana Department of Child Services advises parents to assess what tasks children can do themselves, whether they have the common sense to make good judgments on their own, and how capable they are at handling unexpected challenges.
Children, experts say, should have several basic skills before becoming latchkey kids, which include knowing the following:
Of critical importance: they must have a reliable method of communication to call their parent or guardian, or 9-1-1.
Story continues after IndyStar's 2024 summer photo gallery.
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:
Indiana law requires anyone who suspects child abuse or neglect to contact authorities and make a report, which can be done so anonymously. Hoosiers can call DCS' Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline: [phone].
The phone line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays and caller can report abuse and neglect anonymously. In 2023, according to DCS, nearly 200,000 calls were made to the child abuse hotline in which officials handled 215,852 reports of alleged abuse and neglect.
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