Reforming child neglect laws
March 23, 2021
By the time children reach the age of eight or nine, most American parents are faced with a pressing question: Can I leave my child alone?
This question will take many forms: Can my child cross the street without an adult? Can he walk to school by himself? What about the playground? Can I go to the supermarket without taking the kids with me? Or if I do take them, can I leave them in the car for just a few minutes while I run in to grab some milk? In many states, the answer to all these questions — at least, as a legal matter — is "no."
