What age can I leave my child at home alone in South Carolina?
There is no specific law in South Carolina that sets forth an allowable age for leaving children home alone. This is certainly a very individualized issue and can be fact specific for each family.
Since there is no “bright line” to tell you when you should leave your child at home alone, I suggest you consider the following in deciding whether it is appropriate for YOUR child to be left home alone:
Does the child know how to use the telephone to contact you, or someone else close by if there is an issue?
Does the child have access to a telephone to be able to do this?
Does the child know what to do if someone comes to the door?
Is the home otherwise safe of danger (e.g. no dangerous weapons or items within reach or that could accidentally harm the child)?
How mature is your child?
Will the child be expected to cook a meal?
How long will the child be left alone?
Is the child responsible for other children in the home?
What should you be concerned about?
Since each case is evaluated on its own, it is best to know what can happen if this becomes an issue? You should be especially cognizant that allegations that a child has been left at home alone can be used against a parent in a custody action or in a DSS child abuse/neglect investigation. Worse that than, there are also criminal charges that can flow from this in egregious circumstances.
SC Code §63-5-70 says that it is unlawful for a parent to “place the child at unreasonable risk of harm affecting the child's life, physical or mental health, or safety” and that a conviction of this charge is a felony that could result in up to 10 years in prison for each count.
Not only that, but DSS may seeking findings against a parent who is neglectful based on the specific circumstances of the case.