As summer arrives and school lets out, many Colorado parents face the question: At what age can my child legally stay home alone? With the rising costs and limited availability of child care, understanding the state’s guidelines and legal framework is essential for families seeking safe and practical solutions.
This article examines Colorado’s laws and recommendations, factors to consider for your child’s readiness, and the latest statistics on child safety and welfare in the state.
No Specific Legal Age in Colorado
Colorado does not have a law specifying a minimum age at which a child can be legally left home alone. The decision is left to the discretion of parents or guardians, who are responsible for ensuring adequate supervision and the welfare of their children until they reach adulthood.
While some states have explicit legal requirements, Colorado’s approach is more flexible, relying on parental judgment and the unique circumstances of each family.
State Guidelines and Recommendations
Although there is no legal minimum, Colorado generally accepts age 12 as a guideline for when it may be appropriate for a child to be left home alone for short periods. For babysitting younger siblings, the recommended minimum age is also 12. These guidelines are based on child development standards and the Colorado Child Labor Law, which sets 12 as the minimum age for certain types of employment, such as babysitting.
“In general, Colorado has accepted the ages of 10 to be alone and 12 to babysit as a guideline for when it might be appropriate for a child to be left alone for short periods of time.”
Factors Parents Should Consider
Before deciding to leave a child home alone, parents should carefully assess several factors:
Maturity Level: Is your child capable of making sound decisions and handling emergencies?
Emotional Readiness: Will your child feel secure and confident, or anxious and afraid when alone?
Ability to Handle Emergencies: Does your child know what to do and who to call if a problem arises?
Special Needs: Does your child have any physical, emotional, or behavioral challenges that would make being alone unsafe?
Duration and Time of Day: Short periods during daylight may be more appropriate than long evenings or overnight stays.
The Colorado Department of Human Services recommends parents consider the same criteria used by child protection caseworkers when evaluating potential neglect.
Legal Risks and Child Welfare
While there is no set legal age, parents can be charged with neglect if a child is left alone in unsafe circumstances. Child Protective Services may investigate if there is suspicion of neglect or endangerment, and consequences can range from warnings to criminal charges, depending on the situation.
Latest Child Welfare Statistics in Colorado (2024)
Child Abuse and Neglect: In 2022, Colorado had 109,113 total referrals for child abuse and neglect, with 9,777 confirmed victims—a rate of 8 per 1,000 children, representing a 17.7% decrease since 2018.
Neglect Cases: Neglect accounted for 77.2% of substantiated cases, making it the most common form of maltreatment.
Child Fatalities: Child fatalities rose from 31 in 2021 to 40 in 2022.
Demographics: Children under 1 year old made up the largest group of victims, but children ages 8–11 and 12–15 also had significant numbers.
These figures highlight the importance of careful supervision and the risks associated with leaving children unattended.
Conclusion
Colorado does not set a legal minimum age for children to be home alone, but the widely accepted guideline is age 12 for short periods. Ultimately, the decision rests with parents, who must consider their child’s maturity, readiness, and safety.
While flexibility exists, the risks of neglect charges and the state’s child welfare statistics underscore the need for caution and preparation. Parents are encouraged to use available resources, such as Red Cross safety courses, and to err on the side of caution when determining if their child is ready for this step toward independence.
Source:
[1] https://co4kids.org/community-blog/school-is-out-is-it-okay-for-my-kid-to-stay-home-alone/
[2] https://co4kids.org/community-blog/when_to_leave_kids__home_alone/
[3] https://www.coloradoan.com/story/news/2025/05/31/colorado-law-doesnt-say-when-its-ok-to-leave-your-child-home-alone/83945382007/
[4] https://www.today.com/parents/family/when-can-kids-stay-home-alone-rcna172938
[5] https://k99.com/co-kids-age-alone/
[6] https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/age-a-child-can-be-left-home-alone-by-state
[7] https://broomfield.org/FAQ.aspx?QID=240
[8] https://www.cwla.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Colorado-2024.pdf
[9] https://www.imom.com/home-alone-rules-state/
[10] https://www.denver7.com/news/local-news/justice-with-jessica-at-what-age-can-kids-stay-home-alone
[11] https://www.findlaw.com/family/parental-rights-and-liability/when-can-you-leave-a-child-home-alone-.html
[12] https://co4kids.org/child-abuse-neglect/types-of-abuse/neglect/
[13] https://www.douglas.co.us/documents/child-care-and-covid-19.pdf/
[14] https://www.childrenscolorado.org/just-ask-childrens/articles/the-right-age-to/
[15] https://news.yahoo.com/news/lifestyle/age-does-colorado-ok-leave-110112995.html
[16] https://jbakerlawgroup.com/colorado-introduces-increased-child-safety-measures-in-2025/
[17] https://www.codot.gov/news/2024/december/new-law-jan1-keep-kids-safe
[18] https://www.nationalchildrensalliance.org/media-room/national-statistics-on-child-abuse/