Home Alone Guidelines

Arlington County has provided the following guidelines for children being home alone:

Generally, they must be emotionally and physically ready, regardless of age, and know how to access parents and what to do in an emergency.

Supervision Guidelines:

Age 8 and Under: Do not leave alone.

Ages 9-10: Do not leave alone more than 1.5 hours and not at all at night.

Ages 11-12: May be alone for up to 3 hours, but not at night or in circumstances requiring adult supervision.

Ages 13-15: May be left unsupervised, but not overnight.

Ages 16-17: May be left unsupervised for up to 2 consecutive overnight periods.

Child Protective Services can be reached at 703-228-1500