With school out during Christmas break, some working parents struggle to find childcare, babysitters and other ways to keep their children safe and occupied.
Some children might even stay home alone while their parents are working. But is it safe and legal for a child to stay home alone in Ohio?
Here’s what to know.
Can children stay home alone in the state of Ohio?
As of now, there is no Ohio law that indicates a child at any age cannot be left alone unattended, according to the Ohio Department of Children and Youth . A child’s ability to make safe decisions and sense of maturity should be taken into consideration when a parent is deciding if they should leave them home alone.
According to NBC4 , Ohio and 34 other states do not have a specific minimum age for staying home. Illinois has the highest age requirement with a minimum of 14, while Maryland and North Carolina have the lowest age requirement of 8.
Ohio has laws for child abandonment
According to Ohio Laws and Administrative Rules , Ohio has specific laws surrounding child abandonment. Abandonment is when a parent fails to communicate with, provide for, and maintain their minor, a child younger than 18.