South Central Reporter

Rep. Sue Scherer (D-Decatur) is a chief sponsor of House Bill 4305, which allows parents to let a child stay home alone at 12 years old. The minimum is currently 14.

A KHQA report in December refers to this as the “babysitting bill.” This is not the first attempt to lower the age of negligence for leaving a minor home alone in Illinois. In 2019, a similar bill passed in the Illinois House by a near unanimous vote, but it was never called for a Senate vote. The current laws are some of the strictest in the country, as most states either don’t have an age limit or have it between 8 and 12 years old.

According to the Illinois General Assembly website, HB 4305 amends the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. This will define a neglected minor as any under the age of 12 years “whose parent or other person responsible for the minor’s welfare leaves the minor without supervision for an unreasonable period of time without regard for the mental or physical health, safety, or welfare of that minor.”

It also says that neglect doesn’t include letting a child who is able, to travel to and from school by walking, running or bicycling; traveling to and from nearby commercial and recreational activities; engaging in outdoor play; remaining in a vehicle unattended; remaining at home alone and engaging in a similar independent activity.

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCF) has outlined suggestions to parents who intend on leaving a child home alone. It suggests that parents take steps to prepare children for staying home alone through teaching them how to deal with situations. This includes what to do when someone knocks at the door; how to unlock and lock windows; dealing with strangers; kitchen safety; what to do when smelling smoke or gas; what to do in a fire; first aid techniques and more. It also includes teaching children the appropriate way to call parents or adults for help.

“When thinking about leaving your children alone, whether for a short or long time, it is important for you to consider all the risks involved,” the DCF website states. What is appropriate under certain circumstances may be considered child neglect in other circumstances. You are legally responsible for your child’s welfare until she reaches adulthood.

The bill is led by Scherer but is sponsored in the House by Reps. Dave Vella (D-Loves Park), Michael Zalewski (D-Riverside), Maurice West II (D-Rockford) and Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago).