When to leave a child home alone?

Every parent, even those who don't work outside the home, eventually faces the decision to leave their child home alone for the first time.

Those numbers increase in the summer months, when school is out.

"No child should be left home alone under 12 years old," said Alice Chapman, founder and owner of the Ely Chapman Education Center in Marietta. "I feel that by the age of 12, a child has learned enough to stay alone."

Chapman said some states have laws that make it illegal to leave a child younger than 12 home alone. Ohio is not among them.

"However, when calls come to us regarding supervision, we screen each one," said Anita Meek, assistant director of Washington County Children Services.

Chronological age of the child is taken into account, but there are many other factors considered, Meek said.

"Each situation has so many potential factors, such as whether there is phone service in the home, whether the child is competent to handle emergencies, whether the child is afraid to be home alone or how long the child is left alone - and so many more," she said.

Whether the agency might take action depends on if the issue rises to the "definition of neglect," Meek said.

For children living in rural areas, widely separated from help, there may be additional considerations.

Right Path for Washington County coordinator Cathy Harper's four children are all growing up, and this summer there are no older siblings home with her youngest son, who is 12.

"I've always had a situation where an older child has been home. Now my 12-year-old is in a different situation," she said.

Some parents look to the law for help in deciding when it's appropriate to leave a child home alone. Only Illinois and Maryland have laws regarding a minimum age, according to the National Child Care Information Center. Even in those states, other factors, such as concern for a child's well-being and the amount of time the child is left alone are considered.

"Children mature at different rates so a decision on age alone often doesn't work," said Harper. "(My son) is very responsible, but for some kids, an organized program or camp is the best option."

Many such programs in the area, including Ely Chapman's, are still accepting new kids. Some of them offer financial assistance for families in need.

Through The Right Path, Harper works with hundreds of teens to promote healthy youth development. The organization's mission is to reduce and prevent youth substance abuse and build a broad-based community coalition to support healthy choices.

"There are lots of Marietta kids home alone this summer," Harper said.

"My son is doing a good job. He has chores to do during the day and a paper route. My brother lives nearby and is home during the day, so that helps," Harper said.

She checks in with her son several times a day and recommends other parents do the same.

Before deciding to leave a child alone, parents should understand the child's maturity and readiness, said Kathy Dodrill, family and consumer science educator with the Ohio State University Extension, Washington County.

"Can he or she follow directions, understand house rules and emergency procedures?" she said. "Does the child know how to use appliances, to unlock and lock doors and windows?"

Simple things such as when (of if) the door and phone should be answered can be major issues for a child home alone, she said.

"Summer months are a real challenge and dilemma for many parents," Dodrill said. "You don't want them simply sitting at the computer all day or playing video games. Look for educational programs online so they can still be on the computer, but with a purpose."

In safety issues, Dodrill said parents need to leave emergency phone numbers and have neighbors to call.

"One thing that's important is to write out directions to your house and keep them by the phone," she said.