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One of the most difficult decisions every parent must make is to decide when to let their child stay home alone. Whether it is to run a quick errand or to cover an intermittent period of time between the end of the school day and parent’s work day, it is essential to assure each child has the skills necessary to safely be home alone. Unfortunately, there is no magic answer. A combination of factors such as age, maturity, and knowledge of expectations and safety skills must be considered to assess each child’s readiness. As the school year is quickly coming to an end and summer fast approaching, we at Marion County Children Services would like to share some guidelines for parents who may be wrestling with this issue.

The Ohio Revised Code does not specify an age for leaving a child alone. The law does specify, however, that a parent cannot “violate a duty of care”. Proper and adequate supervision of a child is a “duty of care,” and regardless of a child’s age, parents will generally be the ones held accountable and liable if something were to happen or go wrong while the child is alone.

It is generally accepted that no child younger than eight should be left alone and no child younger than eleven should babysit, however, age is far from the only factor which should be considered. Parents must determine their child’s physical & mental ability to care for him or herself and ability to assess and respond appropriately to an emergency. The child’s maturity level, dependability, and ability to follow rules and make reasonable decisions are also key factors in the overall assessment of the child.

Deciding a child’s maturity level can be tricky. Actions, or inactions, can tell a lot. A responsible, mature person can carry out a duty and is accountable for his or her own behavior. Some characteristics and behaviors to look at when trying to determine a child’s maturity level are the abilities to think things through, reason and use logic; the ability to plan ahead; the ability to act independently and to say “No”; the ability to tell right from wrong; the ability to enforce rules if babysitting younger children; and the ability to recognize and respond to an emergency.

In addition to evaluating each child’s abilities, the circumstances necessitating each event in which a child is left home alone should also be given careful consideration. Questions to consider should include the following:

• How long will the child be left alone and at what time of day?
• How often will the child be expected to care for himself or others?
• How easily can the parent be reached by telephone?
• How close is the child to a trusted adult who can help in an emergency?
• Is the home free of hazards?
• How safe is the neighborhood?
• Is the child expected to babysit younger siblings or prepare a meal?

Parents must also assure their child has the ability to respond appropriately in the event of an emergency. The US Department of Health and Human Services urges parents to consider having a safety plan which your child can follow. In addition, it encourages gathering an understanding of your child’s basic first aid knowledge. The American Red Cross Marion County Chapter offers a Babysitter’s Training Class to youth 11-15 years of age. Course instruction focuses around basic infant care and needs of school age children in addition to assisting students in identifying common safety hazards and learning first aid basics. The class also addresses common problems and conflicts experienced when supervising other children.

When parents assess their child is not ready to stay at home, there are safe childcare alternatives in the community. The Boys and Girls Club of Marion in partnership with the YMCA offers a summer program designed for school age children. This program is held for ten weeks and is packed with education and fun in a safe environment. In addition, the YMCA offers many summer camps which not only focuses on sports instruction but also provides an emphasis on teamwork and building leadership skills for those who participate.

Should you feel your child is prepared and ready to be left home alone, MCCS provides the following tips for parents:

(Child Welfare Information Gateway, 2007)

• Have a trial period. Initially, leave your child for short periods of time to allow him or her to get used to being alone while remaining close to home. Gradually lengthen the amount of time as your child grows in confidence. This is a good way to gauge how your child will do.
• Role Play. Talk to your child about things that could go wrong and brainstorm possible solutions (what if the key is lost, the dog gets loose, the doorbell rings, a friend wants to come over). Discuss the best ways to handle each situation.
• Establish rules. Do not allow your child to go out of the house or to someone’s home without your permission. Make sure that your child knows the safety basics (to not answer the door, how to answer the telephone, where to go if locked out). Create a daily schedule or list of chores so your child remains busy.
• Check in. Telephone your child or have your child telephone you periodically to check in. If you are not available, have another trusted individual check in on your child.
• Talk about it. Continue to monitor the situation. Do not assume everything is all right because you haven’t heard differently. Talk with your child often about being home alone and address any worries or fears he or she might have.
• Don’t overdo it. Even children capable and ready to stay home alone shouldn’t be home alone too long or frequent. Keep your child engaged in other activities such as those offered by the YMCA, local recreational center, churches or other community organizations.

Although deciding if a child is ready to be left alone can be a very difficult decision for parents, it can also be very rewarding. When children have the knowledge, maturity, and skills to stay home alone, it can be a positive growth opportunity for children to gain confidence in their own skills to become more independent, resourceful, and responsible individuals. For additional information and helpful links to the Red Cross Marion Chapter, Boys & Girls Club, and local YMCA, visit the Marion County Children Services website at www.marionkids.com.

Article written by: Anna Tinnerello, Intake/Investigation Supervisor, MCCS

On behalf of the foster children, foster families, kinship families, and staff of Marion County Children Services, we would like to thank Zoomers Skate Club for their generous donation for our Foster Care Month Celebration.

Zoomers donated their facility and skate rental for our foster and kinship families. This gift allowed the families an opportunity to have fun and the agency an opportunity to thank them for the tireless job they do caring for children.

Through your generosity, you are also assisting us in carrying out our mission of ensuring safe children, strong families and supportive communities.

With our sincere appreciation,
The Staff of Marion County Children Services

All children deserve a safe, happy life – including the nearly 500,000 American youth in foster care. Young people in foster care especially need nurturing adults on their side because their own families are in crisis and unable to care for them.

Each May, we salute the compassionate people who make a difference by serving as foster parents, relative caregivers, mentors, advocates, social workers, and volunteers. Thanks to these unsung heroes, many formerly abused or neglected children and teens will either safely reunite with their parents, be cared for by relatives, or be adopted by loving families.

But some children in foster care are less fortunate. Most communities across the country are urgently seeking more everyday people to help these youth overcome their troubled childhoods and realize their full potential. No matter what their age, every young person in foster care benefits from a meaningful connection to a caring adult who becomes a supportive and lasting presence in his or her life.

The number and diversity of people who were once in foster care might surprise you. In fact, there are an estimated 12 million foster care alumni in the U.S. representing all walks of life. Behind this startling statistic are countless stories of children who grew up to be thriving adults while others struggled with life’s challenges all alone. The difference between triumph and tragedy is very clear. Success stories come about when someone takes the time to offer comfort, provide support, give advice, or simply share a milestone moment with a youngster enduring a difficult family situation.

In Marion County there are 102 children in out-of-home care. 45 of these children are in agency custody and placed in foster care or treatment facilities, while the other 57 are in kinship care placements with family members or friends.

As part of the Foster Care Month celebration, the Marion County Commissioners proclaimed May as National Foster Care Month during their meeting on Tuesday, May 03, 2011. Placement Services Supervisor, Cheryl Cobb spoke briefly, explaining the important job that foster parents do each and every day. Expressing that “they are exceptional people doing extraordinary work with children.” Cobb then introduced an unsung hero, a licensed foster parent with Marion County, Melissa Harrison. Harrison thanked the Commissioners for the proclamation and the agency for their support before she shared her experience as a foster parent. She shared how rewarding the experience can be and encouraged others to consider the challenge as well.

This month we would like to recognize and thank the numerous kinship providers and the 33 licensed foster families in Marion County and encourage others to consider doing the same, because the foster care “system” is only as good as those who choose to be part of it.

No matter how much time you have to give, you have the power to do something positive that will “Change a Lifetime” for a young person in foster care. For more information on how you can help, please visit www.marionkids.com or call Marion County Children Services at 740-389-2317 today.

Article written by: Terrie Robinson, Placement Services Coordinator, MCCS

Every 10 seconds in the United States there is a report of child abuse. By the time you finished that sentence, another one, on average, was made again. It isn’t just the cases that are reported – it’s the ones that are not. An estimated 3 million cases of child abuse are reported every year.

During this month and throughout the year, Marion County Children Services works to raise awareness of child abuse and what each of us can do to keep children safe. A field of 647 pinwheels will be planted in front of the agency by Marion County children, in observance of Child Abuse Awareness Month. Always popular with children, the pinwheels represent the number of child abuse investigations conducted by the agency in 2010 as well as celebrate the “voices” who have spoken up on behalf of children by reporting abuse.

We are all responsible for the protection of the children in the Marion community. Each of us needs to consider this commitment in making this a better place for families to flourish. By ensuring that parents have the knowledge, skills and resources they need to care for their children, we can help prevent child abuse by strengthening families and communities. By reaching out, you can truly help prevent child abuse. How do you reach out? Who do you reach out to? Where and when do you reach out?

Reaching out may mean calling or visiting that family down the street whose young children you see running around unsupervised and dressed inappropriately for the weather. It might be offering to baby sit, providing clothing or transportation to a clothing locker, or helping them get information on community based resources.

Reaching out may mean taking a box of diapers to a new mother in your church and talking to her about how frustrating it can be coping with a newborn. You could let her know to call you if she needs a break from the baby or even just someone to talk to.
Reaching out can be as subtle as listening to a frustrated parent, or it can be as overt as organizing a get-together to talk about the needs of families in your neighborhood.

Reaching out means taking the initiative to offer help. Supporting and strengthening families has the greatest impact by far on the prevention of child abuse. Marion County Children Services is a government agency mandated by law to protect children from abuse. In 2010, we served 1,777 children and 813 families through various services. That is one out of every 9 children in Marion County! However, these are only the children and families that were brought to our attention through the reporting of abuse. How many were not?

Some may think that we should intervene sooner, which seems like a logical way to protect children. But no one wants a government agency intruding into private family life without reasonable cause. The state does and should respect the rights of parents to raise their children and run their families the way they see fit. Marion County Children Services supports and works to strengthen the families of children who have been abused. But by the time we get involved, the unfortunate reality is the children have already suffered.

If more individuals would step forward and offer to help families they know who are struggling, the impact would be phenomenal. And if you don’t know any families personally, you can help by getting involved with community organizations such as Heart of Ohio Mentoring, Boys and Girls Club, area churches and other programs that support children and families.

April is a time to celebrate the important role the community plays in protecting children. Everyone’s participation and commitment is critical. Instead of looking the other way, reach out to families in need and report concerns of abuse!

To report suspected cases of abuse or neglect in Marion County, call 740-389-SAFE.

It’s a fact. Drug abuse is on the rise! Statistics released by the Ohio Department of Health are alarming. A recent news article stated that “Heroin and other opiates contributed to 54.4 percent of all unintentional overdose deaths in 2009.” Drug abuse is an issue that can affect an entire family, especially innocent children. We know that when parents turn to drugs it leaves their children vulnerable to abuse or neglect. That’s why Marion County Children Services sees the need for a more proactive approach to drug screening.

In 2007, the agency decided to utilize oral swab drug screens so that caseworkers can obtain an on-the-spot drug screen. This method led to increased completion of drug screens which ultimately results in better assessments of child safety.

Marion County Children Services partnered with Forensic Fluids out of Kalamazoo, Mi. for a more cost effective process and continues to utilize their services today. The oral drug screens currently utilize the most advanced, court-approved technology available. There are no privacy issues that are common with urine or blood that can allow “cheaters” to beat the test. Considering the changing environment of drug use, Forensic Fluids provides testing for any drug that we define.

By law, Marion County Children Services is not required to provide a drug screening process but rather rely on observation when completing home visits and family reports. Knowing that observation and family reports alone do not provide a true account of a child’s day-to-day environment, the agency feels strongly that the drug screening process is imperative for the assessment of child safety. This more objective approach has indicated positive results in 42% of the drug screens completed in 2010. Understanding the needs of our community and the current rise in drug abuse-related crimes, it is a necessary expense to ensure the safety of Marion County children.

Marion County is taking a strong stand on drug concerns. The agency now has the ability to drug screen adults and children as well as swab their hands and/or household surfaces to detect the presence of illegal drugs. Under Ohio law, a parent using illegal drugs in and of itself does not constitute abuse or neglect and it is the responsibility of the agency to prove with clear and convincing evidence that a child has been abused or neglected as a result of parental drug use. This becomes especially difficult with non-verbal children as the caseworker cannot interview the child to determine the amount of knowledge and/or exposure to parental drug use. The positive drug screens of children, their hands and/or household surfaces have provided Marion County Children Services with the necessary information to prove that a child has been or is at risk of future abuse or neglect.

Parental drug use will continue to be a focus for Marion County Children Services as it continues its mission to ensure child safety. With the current drug screening process and
working jointly with community partners to better serve those suffering from drug addiction, we can collectively protect children.

Note: To confidentially report suspected child abuse or neglect, call 740-389-SAFE or visit www.marionkids.com.

Article written by: Jacqueline Ringer, Executive Director, MCCS