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| cm |
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 Posted: Tue, Jul 03 2012, 1:36 pm Post subject: Re: re: Can I leave the kids alone? |
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| Squishy wrote: | | cm wrote: | Plenty of kids babysit at age 12.
There appears to be no minimum age for leaving children alone in NY: http://www.latchkey-kids.com/latchkey-kids-age-limits.htm
It really depends on the child. Teach him how to call 911/Hatzoloh (he should know this anyway). If all the little ones will be asleep he won't have much to do for them - it would be different if they were all awake and needing attention. Having a trusted neighbor (Jewish or not) is a bonus but not strictly necessary. |
The information is provided by NY Office of Children and Family Services. This is surely better info than latchkey kids. |
The Latchkey Kids site provides links to the relevant sites for many states, including NY.
Here's a cut-n-paste from the Office of Children and Family Services (linked above):
At what age is it okay to leave my children home alone?
OCFS is often asked questions regarding the appropriate age to leave a child alone, or what age is appropriate to allow a child to begin babysitting. There are no straightforward answers to these questions. All children develop at their own rate, and with their own special needs and abilities. Some children are responsible, intelligent, and independent enough to be left alone at 12 or 13 years of age. Likewise, there are some teenagers who are too irresponsible or who have special needs that limit their ability to be safe if they are left alone.
Parents and guardians need to make intelligent, reasoned decisions regarding these matters.
Below there are some items for these decision-makers to consider before leaving a child alone. Be aware, this is just the beginning of issues to consider. It is not an all-inclusive checklist to guarantee intelligent and reasoned decision-making:
Consider the child: How mature is the child? How comfortable is the child with the circumstances? What has the child done in the past to show you he/she is able to take on this kind of responsibility?
Consider the child’s knowledge and ability: Does the child know how and when to contact emergency help? Is the child able to prepare food for him/herself? Are there hazards to the child in the environment such as accessible knives, power tools, a stove or oven?
Consider the circumstances: Where will the child be when left alone? How long is the child to be alone?
These same questions should be asked when considering whether a child is old enough to baby-sit. However, when considering a child as an adequate baby sitter, you must evaluate these factors for both the potential baby sitter as well as the needs of the child or children who will be cared for by the baby sitter. A child of 12 might be fine alone for two hours in an afternoon. Yet, the same child may be incapable of responsibly caring for a 5-year-old for that same period of time.
****
I don't live in NY, and I don't claim to be a child protective services expert. Those who have legal concerns should consult a local attorney. But according to the information provided by OCFS to the public, it appears that the parents have a lot of leeway to use their personal judgement.
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| Squishy |
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| Posted: Tue, Jul 03 2012, 3:38 pm Post subject: Re: re: Can I leave the kids alone? |
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| cm wrote: | | Squishy wrote: | | cm wrote: | Plenty of kids babysit at age 12.
There appears to be no minimum age for leaving children alone in NY: http://www.latchkey-kids.com/latchkey-kids-age-limits.htm
It really depends on the child. Teach him how to call 911/Hatzoloh (he should know this anyway). If all the little ones will be asleep he won't have much to do for them - it would be different if they were all awake and needing attention. Having a trusted neighbor (Jewish or not) is a bonus but not strictly necessary. |
The information is provided by NY Office of Children and Family Services. This is surely better info than latchkey kids. |
The Latchkey Kids site provides links to the relevant sites for many states, including NY.
Here's a cut-n-paste from the Office of Children and Family Services (linked above):
At what age is it okay to leave my children home alone?
OCFS is often asked questions regarding the appropriate age to leave a child alone, or what age is appropriate to allow a child to begin babysitting. There are no straightforward answers to these questions. All children develop at their own rate, and with their own special needs and abilities. Some children are responsible, intelligent, and independent enough to be left alone at 12 or 13 years of age. Likewise, there are some teenagers who are too irresponsible or who have special needs that limit their ability to be safe if they are left alone.
Parents and guardians need to make intelligent, reasoned decisions regarding these matters.
Below there are some items for these decision-makers to consider before leaving a child alone. Be aware, this is just the beginning of issues to consider. It is not an all-inclusive checklist to guarantee intelligent and reasoned decision-making:
Consider the child: How mature is the child? How comfortable is the child with the circumstances? What has the child done in the past to show you he/she is able to take on this kind of responsibility?
Consider the child’s knowledge and ability: Does the child know how and when to contact emergency help? Is the child able to prepare food for him/herself? Are there hazards to the child in the environment such as accessible knives, power tools, a stove or oven?
Consider the circumstances: Where will the child be when left alone? How long is the child to be alone?
These same questions should be asked when considering whether a child is old enough to baby-sit. However, when considering a child as an adequate baby sitter, you must evaluate these factors for both the potential baby sitter as well as the needs of the child or children who will be cared for by the baby sitter. A child of 12 might be fine alone for two hours in an afternoon. Yet, the same child may be incapable of responsibly caring for a 5-year-old for that same period of time.
****
I don't live in NY, and I don't claim to be a child protective services expert. Those who have legal concerns should consult a local attorney. But according to the information provided by OCFS to the public, it appears that the parents have a lot of leeway to use their personal judgement. |
I am interpreting this different from you. I am interpreting this to mean that a responsible child of 12 can stay alone. This does not mean parents have total discretion to leave children of any age alone.
CPS has opened an investigation on a family in my community for doing what you are advising OP to do. There was no accident or illness b'h. I was directed someone associated with CPS in my town NOT to leave my children alone until they were 12. I had thought prior to last week along the same lines as the others in this thread.
Even an investigation that is ultimately found to be unfounded results in tremendous anxiety. Does anyone really want their children questioned by case workers?
I would agree to advising consulting an attorney who is familiar with this area of the law.
I want to just caution others as to what is actually happening.
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| amother |
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Amother
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| Posted: Tue, Jul 03 2012, 4:00 pm Post subject: re: Can I leave the kids alone? |
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IMHO I wouldn't. There was a story here were jewish parents left the 15 yr old to babysit and the 2 yr old fell out of a window and died. I believe he tried to catch her.
How much would it be to get a babysitter for 1 and a half hrs? if it really means a lot to you to go out once a week I would get a steady bs. If CV there is a fire 6 kids is a lot to get out and you never know if he wont pass out and cant help the others.
Good Luck!!!!!!!
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| momtherapist |
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| Posted: Tue, Jul 03 2012, 4:14 pm Post subject: Re: re: Can I leave the kids alone? |
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| amother wrote: | IMHO I wouldn't. There was a story here were jewish parents left the 15 yr old to babysit and the 2 yr old fell out of a window and died. I believe he tried to catch her.
How much would it be to get a babysitter for 1 and a half hrs? if it really means a lot to you to go out once a week I would get a steady bs. If CV there is a fire 6 kids is a lot to get out and you never know if he wont pass out and cant help the others.
Good Luck!!!!!!! |
I dont think this a helpful attitude. something can always happen, parents home or not, but it is perfectly reasonable for a 12 yr old to babysit. assuming that it is ok by law, and the child is responsible and knows what to do in any situation, I dont think scary stories are helpful. of course, we want to be safe, but it is also ok to live our lives without fear that something can happen at any moment.
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| cm |
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| Posted: Tue, Jul 03 2012, 4:20 pm Post subject: Re: re: Can I leave the kids alone? |
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| anonymrs wrote: | http://ocfs.ny.gov/main/prevention/faqs.asp
Scroll down, it seems that there is no specific age in NY. |
This is the same link I posted above.
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| groisamomma |
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| Posted: Tue, Jul 03 2012, 5:06 pm Post subject: re: Can I leave the kids alone? |
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Squishy, what town do you live in that frum people report on each other for such a thing (apparently without talking to the parents first)?
Amother with the baby falling out of the window, the babysitter was 15 and that was a problem for the authorities? How old does the babysitter have to be in your city?
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| torahtots |
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| Posted: Tue, Jul 03 2012, 6:16 pm Post subject: re: Can I leave the kids alone? |
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Bad news for anyone who lives in Israel.
The legal age to leave children home alone here is 6.
That was not a typo. Six.
http://www.beterem.org/pages/%.....D7%94.aspx
I don't know if there is a law about how old they have to be in order to be left alone with younger children.
Something needs to be done about this.
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| 3 little 1s |
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| Posted: Tue, Jul 03 2012, 6:44 pm Post subject: re: Can I leave the kids alone? |
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This is an interesting post, I looked up Englnd (where I am) and there is NO official age limit for leaving kids alone, but they have advisable guidlines when leaving children.
The clip also touches on leaving children to babysit their siblings.
The guidlines are here-
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/pa...../dg_070594
Seem quite sensible advice.
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| chocolate moose |
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| Posted: Tue, Jul 03 2012, 7:55 pm Post subject: re: Can I leave the kids alone? |
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OP loves game night, ostensibly b/c her dh is home. How much will she love it, when she has to worry about 6 kids on their own, for 2 hours ?
I'm a little surprised that her dh joined a night kolel on her cheshbon.
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| Ruchel |
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| Posted: Wed, Jul 04 2012, 7:51 am Post subject: Re: re: Can I leave the kids alone? |
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There is a story that a kid fell out of a window while he was in his room, the parents were in theirs.
Window blockers are not a law, unfortunately.
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| Squishy |
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| Posted: Wed, Jul 04 2012, 8:53 am Post subject: Re: re: Can I leave the kids alone? |
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| groisamomma wrote: | Squishy, what town do you live in that frum people report on each other for such a thing (apparently without talking to the parents first)?
Amother with the baby falling out of the window, the babysitter was 15 and that was a problem for the authorities? How old does the babysitter have to be in your city? |
I live in Monsey. It is uncommon for frum people to report on each other here. I did not say the neighbor was frum. IDK that.
Everyone can take what I say with a grain of salt. I was warned how CPS is viewing this. I have modified my behavior accordingly. Others can do as they want. I passed on my knowledge in good faith thinking I am doing a nice thing.
Also, wasn't there a recent event in Isreal where the laptop on the bed caught on fire and there was no adult around resulting in tragedy?
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| 5*Mom |
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| Posted: Wed, Jul 04 2012, 9:21 am Post subject: Re: re: Can I leave the kids alone? |
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| torahtots wrote: | Bad news for anyone who lives in Israel.
The legal age to leave children home alone here is 6.
That was not a typo. Six.
http://www.beterem.org/pages/%.....D7%94.aspx
I don't know if there is a law about how old they have to be in order to be left alone with younger children.
Something needs to be done about this. |
There is: 12.
I would (and do) leave a responsible 12 year old to babysit (not every 12 yr old, and certainly not 6 kids) but I would NOT leave a 6 year old alone. I don't even let my 6 yr old in the elevator alone.
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| Ruchel |
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| Posted: Wed, Jul 04 2012, 9:26 am Post subject: re: Can I leave the kids alone? |
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| AFAIK no limit age here. But if c'v something happens you can be accused of negligence if the child is deemed irresponsible.
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| amother |
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Amother
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| Posted: Wed, Jul 04 2012, 11:51 am Post subject: Re: re: Can I leave the kids alone? |
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| Squishy wrote: | | groisamomma wrote: | Squishy, what town do you live in that frum people report on each other for such a thing (apparently without talking to the parents first)?
Amother with the baby falling out of the window, the babysitter was 15 and that was a problem for the authorities? How old does the babysitter have to be in your city? |
I live in Monsey. It is uncommon for frum people to report on each other here. I did not say the neighbor was frum. IDK that.
Everyone can take what I say with a grain of salt. I was warned how CPS is viewing this. I have modified my behavior accordingly. Others can do as they want. I passed on my knowledge in good faith thinking I am doing a nice thing.
Also, wasn't there a recent event in Isreal where the laptop on the bed caught on fire and there was no adult around resulting in tragedy? |
My sister lives in Monsey. When my niece was about 11, she liked to sleep in on Sundays, but my sister had to drive her son to school on Sunday mornings. Her frum (but crazy) neighbor told her that if she sees her get into her car without her DD, she will call CPS.
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| amother |
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Amother
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| Posted: Wed, Jul 04 2012, 12:56 pm Post subject: re: Can I leave the kids alone? |
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I think I sent my 11 yo dd to a Red Cross certified babysitter's course. I felt if anyone questioned me I had good ground for allowing her to babysit.
That said, would I think about a fire, and how a 10 yo and a 12yo could get four little ones out of the house? I tend to think not, I have never done a fire drill with my kids, but certainly some would.
There was a fire in an apt bldg in Lkwd & an adult babysitter or playgroup morah w a roomful of babies had to get them out. The neighbors helped her, I think. Whether anyone investigated the legalities of her situation, I don't recall.
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