What Age Can Kids Stay Home Alone in Colorado?

Do You Remember the First Time You Were Home Alone?

Do you remember the first time you were allowed to be home BY YOURSELF?!?

The freedom!

The responsibility!

And all of the trash tv shows that your parents wouldn't let you watch when they're home.

Being left home alone is a right of passage for kids. It can be a fun and maybe even slightly scary experience.

Did anyone else get freaked out when they watched the first 'Home Alone' movie for the first time? I always thought that two bandits would break into our house if I was left by myself.

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What Age Can Kids Be Left Home Alone in the U.S.?

In some parts of the country, there's actually an age requirement for minors to be left unaccompanied at their house. Colorado is one of the fourteen states that does this.

36 states have no state requirement concerning this, but they might have a rule or law on the local level.

States With Legal Home Alone Age Requirements

Four state have some sort of "minimum home alone age" requirement according to World Population Review.

This includes; North Dakota, Illinois, Maryland, and North Carolina.

READ MORE: CO Phone Numbers to Change with New 748 Code

States With Recommended Home Alone Ages

About a third of the United States have a RECOMMENDED age that kids can stay at home without a parent or guardian watching over them.

States That Recommend a Minimum Age:

• Oregon
• Washington
• New Mexico
• North Dakota
• South Dakota
• Nebraska
• Kansas
• Oklahoma
• Michigan
• Kentucky
• Tennessee
• Mississippi
• Georgia
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Colorado

What Is the Recommended Age to Stay Home Alone in Colorado?

While every child is different, its ultimately up to the parent/guardian to determine if the adolescent is even ready for that big step. After taking the maturity of the kid into account, the Colorado state recommendation is 12 years of age.

Again, this is a RECOMENDATION not a requirement.

Is It Illegal to Leave a Child Home Alone in Colorado?

No child should be left unsupervised for too long.

If there is any suspicion of child neglect, Child Protective Services will initiate an investigation to determine the safety of the minor in that home, according to reports.

What Is Considered Child Endangerment in Colorado?

In Colorado, a child endangerment charge "is an allegation that a child was placed in a dangerous or life-threatening situation or any situation where that child might be injured," according to a legal expert.

Child endangerment charges can be considered a felony or a misdemeanor depending on the circumstance.

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