What is the legal age a child can stay home alone in the state of Washington?
From what I have learned, it seems that only the states of Illinois and Maryland have specific legislation regarding this. The way that the law reads for the rest of the states basically says that if a child is of a reasonable age to take care of himself for a limited amount of time, then that is deemed acceptable. For example, a 12-year old could probably be left alone at home for an evening while the parents go out to a party. However, an 8-year old would probably be okay only while the parents run next door to talk with the neighbors for a few minutes. The law from Illinois “…defines a neglected minor, in part, as ‘any minor under the age of 14 years whose parent or other person responsible for the minor’s welfare leaves the minor without supervision for an unreasonable period of time without regard for the mental or physical health, safety or welfare of that minor.'” Juvenile Court Act, 705 ILCS 405/2-3(1)(d) This is quoted from the source cited below. As for Maryland, the approp
