During the summer months, children are more likely to be left home alone and unsupervised while their parents are at work. Although children enjoy being out of school, the long summer days can sometimes leave them feeling bored and restless. The City of Douglas Police Department would like to offer some tips to parents who need to leave their children alone during the summer days.
Before leaving your child alone, parents should ensure that their child is mature and old enough to stay home alone. The Department of Family and Children Services (DFACS) has "Lack of Supervision" guidelines that should be followed. Children who are eight years old or younger should not be left alone. Children between the ages of 9 and 12 years may be left alone for brief periods of time (less than 2 hours) based on their level of maturity. Children who are 13 years and older and are at an adequate level of maturity may be left alone and may act as a babysitter, as authorized by a parent, for up to 12 hours. These guidelines apply only to children who are not in DFACS custody, as other foster care guidelines apply to those children.
"Leaving children at home alone during the summer should not be an easy decision," says Police Chief Brannen Pruette. "Parents should make every effort to keep their children safe during these summer months by providing a safe environment. Making it clear what children are allowed to do and what they are not allowed to do while home alone will help prevent accidents and life-threatening injuries."
Parents should collaborate with other adults in their neighborhood to establish a reliable and safe environment. Other parents in the neighborhood may be able to offer supervision, help with planning activities, or provide carpooling opportunities to keep the children engaged. It's important to keep a chore list updated and consider enrolling the kids in daytime activities. Establish clear safety rules for the children, such as not answering the door for strangers, not allowing anyone into the house without parental approval, not allowing friends to visit, screening calls and not revealing that they are home alone, not cooking unless approved by a parent, and not leaving the house without parental permission.
Remember to post relevant emergency numbers or cell phone numbers. If you own a gun, make sure it is properly secured, locked, and stored out of sight. Call in unexpectedly at least once a day to check on the kids. If your kids have friends over or visit friends during the day, use safety precautions. Know who your children’s friends are so that you know who your kids are around and hanging out with. Keep plenty of quick and easy snacks around the house. If your child is not at home, check in with a quick text or call, however, don't be overbearing.
The American Red Cross offers babysitting courses online for older children who are left to tend to their siblings during the day (https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/babysitting-child-care). For more information or summer safety tips, call the Douglas Police Department at 912-384-2222.
