Some Locals Surprised by Louisiana’s Legal Age for Leaving Children Home Alone

Recent discussions on social media have illuminated a surprising lack of clarity among locals regarding the legal age at which a child can be left home alone in Louisiana. The topic came to light following the sharing of a story that revealed the legal minimum age to be 10, though many experts recommend not leaving children unsupervised until the age of 12.

This topic definitely resonated with me because I can vividly remember, growing up as a "latch key kid." I can only speak for my peers, but it was very common practice for children as young as 8 or 9 to be left at home, especially if they had older siblings to watch over them, were only home "alone" for a short period of time, or if they lived close to relatives. But times have changed, and today's standards are obviously different from those of the past.

Despite the set legal age and those aforementioned changing times, a quick glance through online comments shows a wide range of beliefs—some more surprising than others:

• "I thought the law in Louisiana for a child to stay home alone overnight was 12."
• “Back in the day, I stayed by myself after school starting in 3rd grade.”
• “Legit had a house key and came home and sometimes was home by myself til 11 at night after school in 5th grade.”
• "It’s not the age. That decision (made by the parent) should be based on the child. You know your child."
• “I’m sorry… in some states they are legally allowed to stay home alone at 6. What!!!"

According to the Louisiana Revised Statute 14:79.1, "Criminal abandonment is the intentional physical abandonment of a minor child under the age of ten years by the child's parent or legal guardian." Violators of this statute can face fines up to one thousand dollars or imprisonment for up to one year.

However, DailyWorld clarifies that while the legal age is set at 10, there is an expectation for parents to consider individual circumstances when deciding the level of supervision required. The National SAFE KIDS Campaign, on the other hand, suggests the age of 12 as a safer benchmark, cautioning that older siblings might not be fit for the supervisory role until they're at least 15.

A report from KSLA highlights the summertime dilemma many parents face, especially with the demands of work and the costs associated with childcare. While Louisiana and 33 other states do not have a specified age requirement, leaving a child alone illegally could lead to dire consequences, including CPS investigations and potential charges of endangerment or abandonment.

Before making the decision to leave a child home alone, parents in Louisiana should consider several factors. Is the child comfortable with the idea? Do they consistently follow rules? Can they handle unexpected situations without panicking? Can they provide essential information in case of an emergency? Additionally, knowing and trusting neighbors can be a crucial safety net.

Louisiana law enforcement officials warn parents about the consequences of leaving young children unsupervised, stating that parents can be prosecuted if a child under 10 is left in situations they can't handle.

Ultimately, the decision rests with the parents. They know their children best and should use their judgment to determine what's right for their family. However, it's crucial to be informed about the law and consider the recommendations of child care experts.

If you're still unclear after reading this and need even more legal clarification, I would highly suggest you consult an attorney and ask them to elaborate on the parameters of Louisiana Revised Statute 14:79.1.