A Message from Wright County Health & Human Services:
Each summer after schools let out, the State of Minnesota reminds parents and caregivers about Minnesota’s Child Supervision Guidelines. The guidelines lay out the amount of time that children can be without adult supervision – the length of time they can legally be left at home alone and the amount of time older siblings can be in care of younger children.
Supervision Time Restrictions
Age 7 and under – Can’t be left home alone
Age 8-10 – Up to three hours
Age 11-13 – Up to 12 hours
Age 14-15 – Up to 24 hours
Age 16-17 – May be home alone for more than 24 hours with adult backup supervision and a plan in place how to respond to an emergency
Childcare Time Restrictions
Age 10 and Under – Can’t be left in charge of childcare
Age 11-13 – Up to 12 hours
Age 14-15 – Up to 24 hours
Age 16-17 – May provide care for more than 24 hours with adequate adult backup supervision