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Unattended Children

A child 8 years and older may be left home alone at the discretion of the parents.

A child under the age of 8 cannot be left alone or un-attended, but must be in the care of a baby sitter who is at least 13 years old.

(See Questions to Ask)

1. How old does a child have to be to baby-sit others?

A baby sitter for children under the age of 8 must be at least 13 years old and must have the maturity and capacity to care for and protect children.

Please Note: Child Protective Services may still become involved with any child under the age of 18 if the child's safety and/or welfare are jeopardized.

Questions To Ask:

Note: (It is important to ask the following questions about children age 8 and older who are left alone or about baby sitters age 13 and over who care for young children.)

1. What are the age and maturity level of the child or baby sitter?
2. What is the length of time, during what time of day, and how frequently is the child left alone or with a questionable baby sitter?
3. What is the child's capacity to care for him/herself?
4. What duties/responsibilities is the child or baby sitter given?
5. Are there emergency phone numbers and a safety plan for the child/baby sitter?

Family Law Regarding Unattended Children
(From the Annotated Code of Maryland)

A person who is charged with the care of a child under the age of 8 years may not allow the child to be locked or confined in a dwelling, building, enclosure, or motor vehicle while the person charged is absent and the dwelling, building, enclosure, or motor vehicle is out of sight of the person charged unless the person charged provides a reliable person at least 13 years old to remain with the child to protect the child.

Note:(As defined in Subtitle 8, "Unattended Children"/Section 5-801 "Confinement in dwelling, building, enclosure, or motor vehicle")

Penalties for violation : A person who violates this section is guilty of a mis-demeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $500 or imprisonment not exceeding 30 days, or both.

Where can I find Information Regarding Babysitters and Daycares:

Client Information System (CIS) is the computer system, which contains information on automated database that maintains data related to services provided by local departments child abuse, and neglect investigations conducted by local departments of social services. The Department maintains a Child Protective Services information system for three primary purposes.