Latch Key, Staying Alone, and Superivisng Young Children Guidlines

Staying Home Alone

Nebraska has no law that states a specific age when children can be left home alone. Each situation must be evaluated on a case by case basis considering a number of factors. These are the guidelines that Children and Family Services use to help parents decide what is appropriate. Preschool age children (age 6 or under) should never be left alone. For older children the parent must consider:

If the child is alone and someone calls law enforcement, the responding officer will consider these factors to determine if the plan is appropriate. If the officer determines that the child is not able to stay alone safely, it is possible the parent will get a ticket for child neglect.

Nebraska has a specific law about leaving children unattended in a motor vehicle.

Source - Nebraska children and family services

Dr. Robert Sweetland's notes