The kind of supervision children need depends on their age, maturity, abilities, and surroundings. Adequate supervision is essential to keeping kids safe. An adult caregiver is accountable for the child's care, and inadequate supervision can be a type of neglect (neglectful supervision). Here are some of things you should think about when deciding how closely to supervise a child:

• How old, emotionally mature, and capable is your child?

• What is the layout and safety of the home, play area, or other setting?

• What are the hazards and risks in the neighborhood?

• What is your child's ability to respond to illness, fire, weather, or other types of emergencies?

• Does your child have a mental, physical, or medical disability?

• How many children are being left unsupervised?

• Do they know where you are?

• Can they contact you or other responsible adults?

• How long and how often is the child (or children) left alone?

Many states do not have laws that create a minimum age at which children may be left home without the supervision of a teenager or adult. The states that do have a minimum legal age to be home alone usually place it in the 10-14 years range—and many states provide that children age 0-6 may never be left home alone. Child Protective Services may investigate an incident or situation and determine that there was neglectful supervision of a child or children, and in some cases seek to remove the child or children from the custody of the parent or parents.

In Missouri, there is no specific law that states a minimum age at which a child can be left alone at home. However, the Missouri Department of Social Services suggests that children under the age of eight should not be left alone. When determining adequate supervision, factors such as the child's age, maturity, abilities, and the safety of the environment should be considered. An adult caregiver is responsible for ensuring the child's safety, and failure to provide adequate supervision can be considered a form of neglect, known as neglectful supervision. Child Protective Services (CPS) in Missouri may investigate situations where a child's welfare is in question and take action, which could include removing the child from the home, if they determine that a child has been neglected due to inadequate supervision. It is important for caregivers to assess all potential risks and ensure that children know how to contact them or another responsible adult in case of an emergency.