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 Oregon, there is no specific law that states a minimum age at which a child can be left home alone. However, the state emphasizes the importance of adequate supervision for children's safety. When determining the appropriate level of supervision, factors such as the child's age, maturity, abilities, home and neighborhood safety, potential emergencies, and any disabilities should be considered. The number of children, their knowledge of the caregiver's whereabouts, and their ability to contact the caregiver or another responsible adult are also important. Child Protective Services (CPS) in Oregon may investigate situations where inadequate supervision is suspected, and this can be considered a form of neglect. If CPS determines that a child was neglected due to insufficient supervision, they have the authority to intervene, which could include removing the child from the parent's custody. Parents and caregivers should exercise careful judgment and may consult with an attorney or CPS for guidance on best practices for child supervision.