Discussion:
Legal Age Children Can Be Home Alone In Newfoundland
(too old to reply)
Habs Rule
2011-01-26 21:18:24 UTC
Permalink
Wondering if there is any law regarding the age children can be left home
alone in newfoundland ?

thanks :)
cloud dreamer
2011-01-26 21:25:53 UTC
Permalink
Post by Habs Rule
Wondering if there is any law regarding the age children can be left
home alone in newfoundland ?
thanks :)
Twelve according to relatives with kids.

..
unknown
2011-01-26 21:33:32 UTC
Permalink
Post by Habs Rule
Wondering if there is any law regarding the age children can be left
home alone in newfoundland ?
thanks :)
There is no definitive age. It depends on the maturity of the child and
the length of time being left unattended.

snipe
Habs Rule
2011-01-26 21:53:15 UTC
Permalink
Thats what I thought ..but wasn't sure..

thanx for the info :)
Post by unknown
Post by Habs Rule
Wondering if there is any law regarding the age children can be left
home alone in newfoundland ?
thanks :)
There is no definitive age. It depends on the maturity of the child and
the length of time being left unattended.
snipe
g***@gmail.com
2011-01-27 00:22:17 UTC
Permalink
Post by Habs Rule
Wondering if there is any law regarding the age children can be left home
alone in newfoundland ?
thanks :)
it is age 12 any younger childrens protection can get involved,Then it
can only be for a couple hours no late nights or overnight
unknown
2011-01-27 01:22:05 UTC
Permalink
Post by g***@gmail.com
Post by Habs Rule
Wondering if there is any law regarding the age children can be left home
alone in newfoundland ?
thanks :)
it is age 12 any younger childrens protection can get involved,Then it
can only be for a couple hours no late nights or overnight
Like I said, it depends on the maturity of the child. Many 10/11 yr
old's are far more dependable and able to follow a safety plan than a
good many 12/13 yr old's. It's a judgment call based on the maturity of
the child and the common sense of the adult.

However you are right about the overnights and as well they are also
unable to be charged with the care of another child.

snipe
Maxima
2011-01-27 07:03:47 UTC
Permalink
thats hilarious!
Try leaving a 11 year old home alone and see what happens.
Post by g***@gmail.com
Post by Habs Rule
Wondering if there is any law regarding the age children can be left home
alone in newfoundland ?
thanks :)
it is age 12 any younger childrens protection can get involved,Then it
can only be for a couple hours no late nights or overnight
Like I said, it depends on the maturity of the child. Many 10/11 yr old's
are far more dependable and able to follow a safety plan than a good many
12/13 yr old's. It's a judgment call based on the maturity of the child
and the common sense of the adult.
However you are right about the overnights and as well they are also
unable to be charged with the care of another child.
snipe
g***@gmail.com
2011-01-27 14:26:27 UTC
Permalink
Post by Maxima
thats hilarious!
Try leaving a 11 year old home alone and see what happens.
Post by g***@gmail.com
Post by Habs Rule
Wondering if there is any law regarding the age children can be left home
alone in newfoundland ?
thanks :)
it is age 12 any younger childrens protection can get involved,Then it
can only be for a couple hours no late nights or overnight
Like I said, it depends on the maturity of the child.  Many 10/11 yr old's
are far more dependable and able to follow a safety plan than a good many
12/13 yr old's.  It's a judgment call based on the maturity of the child
and the common sense of the adult.
However you are right about the overnights and as well they are also
unable to be charged with the care of another child.
snipe- Hide quoted text -
- Show quoted text -
age 12 is the age where you can be left home alonefor short periods no
younger.The maturity of a child is at the guardians discression at any
age over 12.
Maxima
2011-01-27 15:32:47 UTC
Permalink
There is also a significant difference in the age a child can be left alone,
and the age a child can be left alone with another child (in other words
babysit)
Post by Maxima
thats hilarious!
Try leaving a 11 year old home alone and see what happens.
"Snipe" <"compusnipe at hotmail.com"> wrote in
Post by g***@gmail.com
Post by Habs Rule
Wondering if there is any law regarding the age children can be left home
alone in newfoundland ?
thanks :)
it is age 12 any younger childrens protection can get involved,Then it
can only be for a couple hours no late nights or overnight
Like I said, it depends on the maturity of the child. Many 10/11 yr
old's
are far more dependable and able to follow a safety plan than a good many
12/13 yr old's. It's a judgment call based on the maturity of the child
and the common sense of the adult.
However you are right about the overnights and as well they are also
unable to be charged with the care of another child.
snipe- Hide quoted text -
- Show quoted text -
age 12 is the age where you can be left home alonefor short periods no
younger.The maturity of a child is at the guardians discression at any
age over 12.
Carter
2011-01-27 15:33:11 UTC
Permalink
Post by g***@gmail.com
Post by Maxima
thats hilarious!
Try leaving a 11 year old home alone and see what happens.
Post by g***@gmail.com
Post by Habs Rule
Wondering if there is any law regarding the age children can be left home
alone in newfoundland ?
thanks :)
it is age 12 any younger childrens protection can get involved,Then it
can only be for a couple hours no late nights or overnight
Like I said, it depends on the maturity of the child. Many 10/11 yr old's
are far more dependable and able to follow a safety plan than a good many
12/13 yr old's. It's a judgment call based on the maturity of the child
and the common sense of the adult.
However you are right about the overnights and as well they are also
unable to be charged with the care of another child.
snipe- Hide quoted text -
- Show quoted text -
age 12 is the age where you can be left home alonefor short periods no
younger.The maturity of a child is at the guardians discression at any
age over 12.
A half dozen people here have said essentially the same thing
but, as yet, no one has quoted any law or regulation to support it.

So, if there *is* a legal age at which a child can be left alone
there must be some law or regulation which explains it. Does
anyone know for sure if there is such a law on which to base the
opinions being expressed here?

I can't find any.

Carter
jim
2011-01-27 16:31:08 UTC
Permalink
Post by Carter
Post by g***@gmail.com
Post by Maxima
thats hilarious!
Try leaving a 11 year old home alone and see what happens.
Post by g***@gmail.com
Post by Habs Rule
Wondering if there is any law regarding the age children can be left home
alone in newfoundland ?
thanks :)
it is age 12 any younger childrens protection can get involved,Then it
can only be for a couple hours no late nights or overnight
Like I said, it depends on the maturity of the child.  Many 10/11 yr old's
are far more dependable and able to follow a safety plan than a good many
12/13 yr old's.  It's a judgment call based on the maturity of the child
and the common sense of the adult.
However you are right about the overnights and as well they are also
unable to be charged with the care of another child.
snipe- Hide quoted text -
- Show quoted text -
age 12 is the age where you can be left home alonefor short periods no
younger.The maturity of a child is at the guardians discression at any
age over 12.
A half dozen people here have said essentially the same thing
but, as yet, no one has quoted any law or regulation to support it.
So, if there *is* a legal age at which a child can be left alone
there must be some law or regulation which explains it.  Does
anyone know for sure if there is such a law on which to base the
opinions being expressed here?
I can't find any.
Carter- Hide quoted text -
- Show quoted text -
Don't think there is any to be found for NL. IMO - age is not a
reflection of ones maturity. The Criminal Code of Canada would touch
on it under child abandonment.
sled ed
2011-01-27 17:04:52 UTC
Permalink
found this quote from ontario:

The Child and Family Services Act does not identify an age when a child
can be left alone, or an age at which a child can supervise or babysit
other children. The Act recognizes that age alone is not a sufficient
safeguard for the supervision of children.

The Act says that a person who has charge of a child less than 16 years
of age cannot leave the child without making provision for his/her care
or supervision that is reasonable under the circumstances. Anyone who
contravenes this provision is guilty of a provincial offence and if
convicted is liable to a fine of up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment of up
to a year.

In addition, the Criminal Code of Canada includes the offence of
abandoning a child. Everyone who unlawfully abandons or exposes a child
who is under the age of 10 years, so that its life is or is likely to be
endangered, or its health is or is likely to be permanently injured is
guilty of an offence that carries a penalty of imprisonment of not more
than two years.

If you're unsure as to whether it's okay to leave your child home alone,
please consult with your local Children's Aid Society -- you don't have
to give your name, or any identifying information.
Post by jim
Post by Carter
Post by g***@gmail.com
Post by Maxima
thats hilarious!
Try leaving a 11 year old home alone and see what happens.
Post by g***@gmail.com
Post by Habs Rule
Wondering if there is any law regarding the age children can be left home
alone in newfoundland ?
thanks :)
it is age 12 any younger childrens protection can get involved,Then it
can only be for a couple hours no late nights or overnight
Like I said, it depends on the maturity of the child. Many 10/11 yr old's
are far more dependable and able to follow a safety plan than a good many
12/13 yr old's. It's a judgment call based on the maturity of the child
and the common sense of the adult.
However you are right about the overnights and as well they are also
unable to be charged with the care of another child.
snipe- Hide quoted text -
- Show quoted text -
age 12 is the age where you can be left home alonefor short periods no
younger.The maturity of a child is at the guardians discression at any
age over 12.
A half dozen people here have said essentially the same thing
but, as yet, no one has quoted any law or regulation to support it.
So, if there *is* a legal age at which a child can be left alone
there must be some law or regulation which explains it. Does
anyone know for sure if there is such a law on which to base the
opinions being expressed here?
I can't find any.
Carter- Hide quoted text -
- Show quoted text -
Don't think there is any to be found for NL. IMO - age is not a
reflection of ones maturity. The Criminal Code of Canada would touch
on it under child abandonment.
sled ed
2011-01-27 17:05:21 UTC
Permalink
http://www.oacas.org/childwelfare/faqs.htm#alone
Carter
2011-01-27 17:29:06 UTC
Permalink
Post by sled ed
http://www.oacas.org/childwelfare/faqs.htm#alone
That makes a lot of sense. It does not, however, relate to
Newfoundland as the the OP asked.

Carter
sled ed
2011-01-28 05:36:21 UTC
Permalink
ii do believe it refers to a canadian code however
Post by sled ed
http://www.oacas.org/childwelfare/faqs.htm#alone
That makes a lot of sense. It does not, however, relate to Newfoundland
as the the OP asked.
Carter
Carter
2011-01-27 17:42:32 UTC
Permalink
Post by jim
Post by Carter
Post by g***@gmail.com
Post by Maxima
thats hilarious!
Try leaving a 11 year old home alone and see what happens.
Post by g***@gmail.com
Post by Habs Rule
Wondering if there is any law regarding the age children can be left home
alone in newfoundland ?
thanks :)
it is age 12 any younger childrens protection can get involved,Then it
can only be for a couple hours no late nights or overnight
Like I said, it depends on the maturity of the child. Many 10/11 yr old's
are far more dependable and able to follow a safety plan than a good many
12/13 yr old's. It's a judgment call based on the maturity of the child
and the common sense of the adult.
However you are right about the overnights and as well they are also
unable to be charged with the care of another child.
snipe- Hide quoted text -
- Show quoted text -
age 12 is the age where you can be left home alonefor short periods no
younger.The maturity of a child is at the guardians discression at any
age over 12.
A half dozen people here have said essentially the same thing
but, as yet, no one has quoted any law or regulation to support it.
So, if there *is* a legal age at which a child can be left alone
there must be some law or regulation which explains it. Does
anyone know for sure if there is such a law on which to base the
opinions being expressed here?
I can't find any.
Carter- Hide quoted text -
- Show quoted text -
Don't think there is any to be found for NL. IMO - age is not a
reflection of ones maturity.
Well, generally yes it is. It is the reason one must have
reached a certain age in order to do certain things, like get a
bank loan, drive a car, vote, etc., etc..

The Criminal Code of Canada would touch
Post by jim
on it under child abandonment.
No, there is no such offence under the Criminal Code.

S. 215 of the code deals, in part, with the provision of the
necessaries of life for a child under 16 years. Here it is, note
the reverse onus in 215 (2).

Duties Tending to Preservation of Life

Duty of persons to provide necessaries
215. (1) Every one is under a legal duty
(a) as a parent, foster parent, guardian or head of a family,
to provide necessaries of life for a child under the age of
sixteen years;
(b) to provide necessaries of life to their spouse or
common-law partner; and
(c) to provide necessaries of life to a person under his charge
if that person

(i) is unable, by reason of detention, age, illness, mental
disorder or other cause, to withdraw himself from that charge, and

(ii) is unable to provide himself with necessaries of life.

Offence

(2) Every one commits an offence who, being under a legal duty
within the meaning of subsection (1), fails without lawful
excuse, the proof of which lies on him, to perform that duty, if
(a) with respect to a duty imposed by paragraph (1)(a) or (b),

(i) the person to whom the duty is owed is in destitute or
necessitous circumstances, or

(ii) the failure to perform the duty endangers the life of the
person to whom the duty is owed, or causes or is likely to cause
the health of that person to be endangered permanently; or
(b) with respect to a duty imposed by paragraph (1)(c), the
failure to perform the duty endangers the life of the person to
whom the duty is owed or causes or is likely to cause the health
of that person to be injured permanently.

Punishment

(3) Every one who commits an offence under subsection (2)
(a) is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to
imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years; or
(b) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction
and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding eighteen months.

Presumptions

(4) For the purpose of proceedings under this section,
(a) [Repealed, 2000, c. 12, s. 93]
(b) evidence that a person has in any way recognized a child as
being his child is, in the absence of any evidence to the
contrary, proof that the child is his child;
(c) evidence that a person has failed for a period of one month
to make provision for the maintenance of any child of theirs
under the age of sixteen years is, in the absence of any evidence
to the contrary, proof that the person has failed without lawful
excuse to provide necessaries of life for the child; and
(d) the fact that a spouse or common-law partner or child is
receiving or has received necessaries of life from another person
who is not under a legal duty to provide them is not a defence.
unknown
2011-01-27 17:49:58 UTC
Permalink
Post by g***@gmail.com
age 12 is the age where you can be left home alonefor short periods no
younger.The maturity of a child is at the guardians discression at any
age over 12.
Section 14 states: (k) is actually or apparently under 12 years of age
and has
(i) been left without adequate supervision,

The key word being "adequate" supervision. Grandmother living next door
and checking on the child every half hour would be considered adequate
supervision. A child at home after school for an hour or two with a
safety plan in place and mom or dads Ph# would be considered adequate.
Don't believe me? Call intake yourself 729-2668.

Common sense, while not that common, can not be legislated...


snipe
unknown
2011-01-28 02:36:07 UTC
Permalink
Post by g***@gmail.com
age 12 is the age where you can be left home alonefor short periods no
younger.The maturity of a child is at the guardians discression at any
age over 12.
Section 14 states: (k) is actually or apparently under 12 years of age
and has
(i) been left without adequate supervision,
I should have referenced the CYFS act, which is where the above section
14 is contained.
http://assembly.nl.ca/Legislation/sr/statutes/c12-1.htm

Section 14 refers to the "definition of child in need of protective
intervention". 12 yrs of age is a roundabout age of maturity.
"apparently" is also a non-definitive term which also allows for common
sense interpretation. An individual with an intellectual disability who
is over the age of 12 would not meet the test of "adequate" supervision.

Besides that, there are 15 yr old's who I wouldn't trust the care of my
cat to.

So to answer the OP's question, 12 yrs old is a roundabout age for
reference purposes only. There is no definitive age at which a child
can be left unsupervised. It is determined by the individual child and
the circumstances surrounding each case.

snipe
The key word being "adequate" supervision. Grandmother living next door
and checking on the child every half hour would be considered adequate
supervision. A child at home after school for an hour or two with a
safety plan in place and mom or dads Ph# would be considered adequate.
Don't believe me? Call intake yourself 729-2668.
Common sense, while not that common, can not be legislated...
snipe
j***@gmail.com
2014-04-17 00:04:10 UTC
Permalink
I am very proud to say that I have a very respectable and responsible 11 year old son.. I have left him at home for only 5 or 10 minutes to run to a store He has a cell phone and he knows what to do in case of emergencies. I personally am not worried that he's not responsible but more worried about the irresponsible OLDER idiots in my town. I always lock my door when I leave and always tells him where I am going and how long I will be. I just have anxiety leaving my kids because I'm just not used to it.. I think I myself need a few more years before I could leave them for hours lol.
g***@gmail.com
2018-11-26 06:44:39 UTC
Permalink
Actuall, according to St. John's Ambulance between age 10-12 if parent and child are comfortable with it and child has contact numbers and knows what to do in case of emergency.


https://www.sja.ca/English/Safety-Tips-and-Resources/Pages/Summer Safety/Leaving-Kids-Home-Alone.aspx
s***@gmail.com
2020-01-03 08:02:05 UTC
Permalink
Post by g***@gmail.com
Actuall, according to St. John's Ambulance between age 10-12 if parent and child are comfortable with it and child has contact numbers and knows what to do in case of emergency.
https://www.sja.ca/English/Safety-Tips-and-Resources/Pages/Summer Safety/Leaving-Kids-Home-Alone.aspx
What are the rules for leaving a 11 year old with his friend (known for always getting into mischief 24/7) at home playing video games on a friday night while the custody parent goes out for several hours partying? To me it sounds like a major concern & some people have told me to report it since it is child endangerment & unwise regardless of the fact that the child has had the 'home alone' course.
observer
2020-01-03 22:44:40 UTC
Permalink
Post by s***@gmail.com
Post by g***@gmail.com
Actuall, according to St. John's Ambulance between age 10-12 if parent and child are comfortable with it and child has contact numbers and knows what to do in case of emergency.
https://www.sja.ca/English/Safety-Tips-and-Resources/Pages/Summer Safety/Leaving-Kids-Home-Alone.aspx
What are the rules for leaving a 11 year old with his friend (known for always getting into mischief 24/7) at home playing video games on a friday night while the custody parent goes out for several hours partying? To me it sounds like a major concern & some people have told me to report it since it is child endangerment & unwise regardless of the fact that the child has had the 'home alone' course.
The rules??????????????? Does there have to be 'rules' for every
eventually?

What you are talking about depends on good common sense and
responsible parenting.
Velma Ganassini
2021-06-20 15:16:22 UTC
Permalink
Post by s***@gmail.com
Post by g***@gmail.com
Actuall, according to St. John's Ambulance between age 10-12 if parent and child are comfortable with it and child has contact numbers and knows what to do in case of emergency.
https://www.sja.ca/English/Safety-Tips-and-Resources/Pages/Summer Safety/Leaving-Kids-Home-Alone.aspx
What are the rules for leaving a 11 year old with his friend (known for always getting into mischief 24/7) at home playing video games on a friday night while the custody parent goes out for several hours partying? To me it sounds like a major concern & some people have told me to report it since it is child endangerment & unwise regardless of the fact that the child has had the 'home alone' course.
The rules??????????????? Does there have to be 'rules' for every
eventually?
What you are talking about depends on good common sense and
responsible parenting.
There is a really good online program that helps kids build confidence and independence when alone at home or in the community. It also covers people safety really well. www.HomeAloneCourse.com
duende
2011-01-27 14:58:35 UTC
Permalink
When I was a kid, I used to take the bus home from school at 3, and be home by myself until 5:30-6:00. I don't remember the exact age, but I know it was younger than 10 (I'm 30 now, so its not that long ago really). It all depends on the kid. I never got in any trouble, back then you were more worried about what your parents would do to you if you did do something bad.

But, I do understand nowadays kids are different and most of them require hand-holding to do anything. Hell, they can't even be trusted to get on the right bus these days.
Carter
2011-01-27 17:54:25 UTC
Permalink
Post by duende
When I was a kid, I used to take the bus home from school at 3, and be home by myself until 5:30-6:00. I don't remember the exact age, but I know it was younger than 10 (I'm 30 now, so its not that long ago really). It all depends on the kid. I never got in any trouble, back then you were more worried about what your parents would do to you if you did do something bad.
But, I do understand nowadays kids are different and most of them require hand-holding to do anything. Hell, they can't even be trusted to get on the right bus these days.
While all of that is probably true it does not address the
subject of this thread.

The OP wanted to know at what legal age a child can be left home
alone in Newfoundland. Right away a half dozen people replied
saying the legal age is 12, without any reference to any law or
regulation as the OP asked for.

My concern here is that unsupported opinion is being taken as
fact. I have searched just about everywhere I can think of and
can find no law or regulation regarding this issue.

Unless someone knows or can find such a law the answer is *not*
12 years old, it is; no such law exists in Newfoundland.

Carter
unknown
2011-01-28 03:03:12 UTC
Permalink
The OP wanted to know at what legal age a child can be left home alone
in Newfoundland. Right away a half dozen people replied saying the legal
age is 12, without any reference to any law or regulation as the OP
asked for.
My concern here is that unsupported opinion is being taken as fact. I
have searched just about everywhere I can think of and can find no law
or regulation regarding this issue.
It's referenced in the Child Youth & Family Services Act, Section 14 (k)
(i). A child is in need of protective intervention where the child...(K)
is actually or apparently under 12 years of age and has

(i) been left without adequate supervision,

http://assembly.nl.ca/Legislation/sr/statutes/c12-1.htm
Unless someone knows or can find such a law the answer is *not* 12 years
old, it is; no such law exists in Newfoundland.
There "is" legislation pertaining to the subject as stated above. And,
while the age of 12 "is" referenced as the age at which a child should
not be without adequate supervision, there is inherent within the
legislation the language to allow for common sense interpretation.

In St. John's alone, many of the over 7500 calls to the CYFS intake
office each year ask the same question. And they will receive the same
answer that I have provided. Call it yourself and see what they say.

snipe
Carter
KR
2011-01-27 21:07:29 UTC
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