Arlington, Virginia Human Service Childcare Guidelines

[alfred russel]

I find some of these unbelievable. 8 year olds can't be left alone in a yard for any period of time? 15 year olds can't be left unsupervised overnight? 17 year olds can't be left for more than two nights unsupervised? Hell, I started college when I was 17.

Posted so you can share in my outrage.

http://www.arlingtonva.us/departments/HumanServices/services/family/HumanServicesServicesFamilyHowyoung.aspx

How Young Is Too Young To Be Home Alone?

These guidelines represent the minimal acceptable standards for the supervision of children developed by professionals in collaboration with the community. Remember, these are only guidelines. There may be situations when it is not safe to leave a child unsupervised.   Arlington County Child Protective Services Hotline
TEL 703-228-1500
TTY 703-228-1598
Babysitting guidelines are also available.
For information on child care resources, call 703-228-1685.

Whenever any child is unsupervised/unattended:

    * There must be no emotional, medical, or behavioral problems that affect the child's judgment or decision-making.
    * The child must be comfortable being alone.
    * All youths, including teens, must have a safety plan worked out with the parent/caretaker including:
    *
         1. How to access a parent or other responsible adult at all times (knowing the adult's whereabouts and telephone number).
         2. What to do in case of an emergency.
         3. Guidelines for acceptable behavior.
    * Youth must demonstrate the ability to follow the safety plan and make good decisions about personal safety.

Supervision Guidelines:

    * 8 years and under : Should not be left alone for any period of time. This includes leaving children unattended in cars, playgrounds, and yards.
    * 9 to 10 years : Should not be left alone for more than 1 ½ hours and only during daylight and early evening hours.
    * 11 to 12 years : May be left alone for up to 3 hours, but not late at night or in circumstances requiring adult supervision.
    * 13 to 15 years : May be left unsupervised, but not overnight.
    * 16 to 17 years : May be left unsupervised for up to two consecutive overnight periods.

[jimmy olsen]

Way overboard.

[CountDeMoney]

15 year olds can't be left unsupervised overnight? 17 year olds can't be left for more than two nights unsupervised?

No way in hell, not at my house.  I was 15 and 17 once;  things catch fire.

[Neil]

Leaving teenagers overnight unsupervised?  Fuck that.  Lots of that is ridiculous, but I have no problem with supervising teenagers.  In fact, your average 8-year old is much less dangerous than your average 15-year old.

[alfred russel]

You will change your mind when you have teenagers.Can you imagine having to watch a teenager all the time? The inanity of the phone conversations you would here would probably cause you to burn the house down.

[grumbler]

Wow, this thread is awesome. 

Talk about a storm in a tea cup!

[Neil]

Wow, this thread is awesome. 

Talk about a storm in a tea cup!

Is there much of a storm?

[Maximus]

At worst, a strong breeze in a teacup.

[merithyn]

They're guidelines, not law.

[grumbler]

Is there much of a storm?

How often is Alfy "outraged?"

[PDH]

Is there much of a storm?

How often is Alfy "outraged?"

I, personally, am outraged by your attitude.  I am reporting you to the nearest child welfare officer.

[Valmy]

They're guidelines, not law.

A truly good parent will sit in their kid's room all night and watch him sleep.

[Malthus]

They're guidelines, not law.

A truly good parent will sit in their kid's room all night and watch him sleep.

First parents will do literally that with newborns - I am not joking; I certainly did, when he was sick. I was terrified he'd stop breathing.

[alfred russel]

Is there much of a storm?

How often is Alfy "outraged?"

I'm not really outraged.

[alfred russel]

They're guidelines, not law.

Sort of.