How old can a child be before he/she can be left unsupervised at home?
In California, there is not a legal age at which a minor can be left unsupervised. Age in and of itself is not a reliable guide. There are several additional factors that influence whether it is appropriate to leave a child alone, even for short periods of time. Parents should use good judgment in deciding if their child(ren) is mature enough to be left without adult supervision. It is important to realize that children left in self-care could be at a higher risk for injuries.
