Are you the parent of a pre-teen in Michigan? If so, you might find yourself asking, “What age can a child stay home alone in Michigan?”
Unfortunately, there is no hard and fast answer to this question, which potentially opens the door to allegations of child neglect.
In the absence of a rule stating at what specific age kids can stay home alone, the answer for your situation depends on your child’s maturity level, living environment, and general need for supervision, as well as other factors unique to your family’s situation.
What Age Can a Child Stay Home Alone in Michigan?
State law does not set a minimum age for when children can stay home by themselves. Instead, Michigan law enforcement officials and Child Protective Services (CPS) agents consider the entire situation and focus on the child’s safety and well-being.
A 12-year-old may do fine at home alone for a short time, but age alone does not guarantee their safety or that the parents will not face legal repercussions for leaving a 12-year-old child home alone. Parents still need to use good judgment and make sure the child can stay safe, follow rules, and handle problems that come up.
Factors Michigan Courts and CPS May Consider
If the police or CPS receive a report about possible danger to a child left at home alone, some factors they consider before taking legal action include:
- The child’s maturity and decision-making skills
- How long the child has been home without supervision
- Whether the child knows what to do in an emergency
- The child’s access to a phone or another reliable way to contact a parent
- The overall safety of the home and neighborhood
- Any medical, behavioral, or developmental needs that the child has
- Whether other siblings also stay home without an adult
- The parents’ plan for check-ins and supervision
When Leaving a Child Home Alone Can Become a Legal Issue
Leaving a 12-year-old or another child of a similar age at home is not necessarily a safety concern or a legal issue. However, there are some situations where the authorities are more likely to get involved, such as:
- A parent raises the issue during a custody dispute and claims the other parent left the child alone too often or for too long.
- The child mentions being home alone during a CPS interview, and the details raise concerns about the child’s supervision and safety.
- A teacher, neighbor, or family member reports the situation, which could trigger a CPS investigation.
- The child cannot reach a parent in an emergency, or the parent does not answer calls or texts.
- Unsecured firearms, drugs, or other hazards within easy reach create safety risks in the child’s home environment.
- A parent expects the child to care for younger siblings, especially when those children need hands-on help.
- The child has medical, behavioral, or mental health needs that call for closer supervision.
Talk to a Michigan Family Law Attorney at Our Law Firm
Allegations of neglect or abandonment could cost you your custody or visitation rights and disrupt your relationship with your child. Alternatively, you do not want your child spending too much time alone if the other parent cannot or will not properly care for them.
In either case, the attorneys at Kraayeveld Family Law can defend your rights and make sure your child has proper care and supervision.
Call us 24/7 at (616) 383-2679 or complete our contact form to schedule a consultation with an experienced family law attorney at our firm. Our office is conveniently located at 990 Monroe Ave. NW Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Feel free to visit us for a case evaluation!
