1 Answer

Pennsylvania

As of yet, there is no set legal age for children to be left home alone in Pennsylvania. However, if you leave a child who is not mature enough home alone and something bad happens the court will take into consideration several things. How old is the child, was the child able to get a hold of you or a responsible adult, is your neighborhood safe, does you child know his name, address, telephone number, etc.

If you want to read more in depth about this topic and how to determine if your child is able to be left home alone for a period of time look up the Southeastern Pennsylvania School Age Child Care Project. They have a guide with a Readiness Assessment and Child Skills Questionaire. This can be a helpful tool to determine your childs maturity.

LEGAL AGE

There are very few states in the U.S. with legal minimum ages for children home alone, but many state agencies have published guidelines. Georgia, Illiniois, Maryland and Oregon are a few of the states with specific ages specified in their laws.

12 years of age appears to be the most common recommendation.

Read more: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_legal_age_children_can_be_left_home_alone_in_PA#ixzz1X0fkK1tM