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Child supervision

child unattended in motor vehicle

You should not leave a child unattended in a motor vehicle for any length of time. If children are trapped inside cars—especially in hot weather—they can suffer from heat exhaustion or heat stroke in a matter of minutes, leading to permanent disability or death. Heat stroke, also known as hyperthermia, can cause shock, seizures, irregular heartbeat, and heart attack, as well as brain, liver, and kidney damage. Leaving a child unattended in a car is also a form of neglectful supervision that is investigated by Child Protective Services.

In Delaware, leaving a child unattended in a motor vehicle is considered a serious matter, especially due to the risks associated with heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses. Delaware law specifically addresses this issue under Title 11, Section 1102 of the Delaware Code, which makes it a crime to leave a child under the age of 12 unattended in a motor vehicle under conditions that might cause suffering, injury, or death. This could include situations where the car is in extreme heat or cold, or if the child has no access to food or water. Violation of this law can result in criminal charges ranging from a violation to a felony, depending on the circumstances and the harm caused to the child. Additionally, such an act can be considered neglectful supervision and may trigger an investigation by Child Protective Services, which could lead to further legal consequences, including the possibility of losing custody of the child.

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Child supervision

child unattended in motor vehicle

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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Delaware State Code

Delaware State Code

Child supervision

child unattended in motor vehicle

Articles