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PDF version
We frequently receive inquiries about the guidelines
and legal responsibilities in supervising children,
hiring babysitters, or leaving children unattended.
Each situation is different and must
be assessed individually, and here are some basic
guidelines to help you in making the best decision
for the supervision of your children.
Durham CAS is mandated by the Ontario government
to provide child protection services in Durham
Region, under the Child & Family Services
Act. This legislation states that "No person
having charge of a child less than 16 years of
age shall leave the child without making provision
for his or her supervision and care that is reasonable
in the circumstances." The legislation also
states that "no parent of a child less than
sixteen years of age shall permit the child to
loiter in a public place between the hours of
midnight and 6 a.m."
This means that it is the parents' responsibility
to care for, and to ensure the safety of, their
children at all times. It also means that it is
an offence to leave any child unattended without
making reasonable arrangements for every situation
for the child's supervision, care and safety.
Failure to do so may result in criminal charges
being laid.Is there a legal age for babysitting?
In making arrangements for someone else to care
for your child, consider the following:
1. Age of the child to be babysat, and the age
and maturity of the babysitter.
2. Number of children to be babysat. (Can he/she
handle more than one child?)
3. Behaviour of the children, their temperament
and health.
4. The babysitter's ability to manage the children,
and for what length of time.
5. Safety of the home in which the babysitting
is taking place.
6. Proximity to other adults (other than you).
7. Can you be reached in case of an emergency?
8. Am I comfortable with a male or a female babysitter?
9. Is my child comfortable with a male or female
babysitter?
Important: While a child may be able to care
for him/herself for a short period of time, he/she
may not be able to care for one or more other
children.
Checklist
for your babysitter
In deciding whether or not to leave your child
alone, consider the following:
1. The age of the child.
2. The behaviour of the child, his/her temperament
and health.
3. How long is the child going to be left alone?
4. Does the child know where you will be and how
they can reach you?
5. Who is the emergency contact person for the
child and how can they be reached?
6. Does the child know the rules they are to follow
when you are not there?
It is your job to teach your child the right
rules for any emergency situation and what to
do when you are not present.
Talk to your children about who they can call
for help, what to do if they are scared, and what
to do if someone calls or comes to the door. Write
this information down, and keep it handy for the
children when alone.
Do not allow your child to stay home alone if
you are uncomfortable about it or if you think
he/she is not ready. You are responsible for your
child's care and safety at all times.
Infant - 9 years
A child of this age should not be left unsupervised
at any time of the day or night. A competent caregiver
should be on the same premises as the children.
10 -12 years
Short periods of indirect supervision of 1-2 hours
may be acceptable for this age range. These short
periods of indirect supervision may be provided
by an adult in the next house or apartment-- if
the adult is aware of the parents' absence, and
agrees to look in on the child during specified
periods of time.
Please note that indirect supervision via telephone
contact is generally unacceptable for this age
range.
13 - 14 years
Longer periods of indirect supervision (2 - 5
hours) are acceptable for this age range. An adult/babysitter
should be available by telephone to the children
in case of an emergency, or if the child requires
assistance.
15 -16 years
At this age, the child should be able to be left
alone for a full day. The parent should be readily
available by telephone to the child in case of
an emergency.
These are guidelines only. Every child and situation
is different, and should be assessed individually.
Download a pdf version of the supervision guidelines.
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