The Public Legal Education Association of Saskatchewan (PLEA) is a non-profit, non-government organization that provides the people of Saskatchewan with understandable, useful information and education on our laws and legal system.
Parents often look forward to the day their children will be old enough to care for themselves and they are able to save on babysitting costs. However, some parents leave their children alone before they are ready. This can leave a child without protection and at risk for harm. Child protection is a major concern within society. Federal and provincial governments understand this concern. As a result, both governments have created laws that protect children.
At law, there is no set age when it becomes okay to leave a child unattended or unsupervised. Generally, it is a matter of parental discretion and responsibility.
It is, however, an offence under the Criminal Code to abandon a child under the age of ten if, by doing so, you risk the child's health or safety. You could be charged under this law even if no actual harm occurred - it is enough to intentionally abandon a child under the age of ten in circumstances where the child's life is likely to be endangered, or where permanent injury is likely to occur.
Under provincial legislation, when a parent leaves a child under the age of 16 alone, Social Services may find that the child is in need of protection. A child is in need of protection where the actions of the child's parent cause a child to suffer or be likely to suffer physical or emotional harm.
Under the same law a parent or any other person taking care of a child is guilty of an offence if they neglect or abandon the child. The penalty for committing this offence ranges from having to pay a fine of $5,000 to imprisonment for a maximum term of six months.
Every person who has reason to believe that a child is in need of protection has a legal duty to report the information. Children mature and develop at different rates. It is very important that parents consider the child's level of maturity and responsibility and adequately prepare the child for the experience. Many schools and community organizations provide programs that can help you and your child learn more about developing a plan that addresses matters that could arise while you are away. For general legal information on other areas of the law, contact Public Legal Education Association at (306) 653-1868.
