FAQs • What is the legal age at which a child can be left ho

What is the legal age at which a child can be left home alone?: There is no legally defined age for a child to remain home alone. Parents are encouraged to use good judgment when making this decision, and to consider the child's developmental and cognitive abilities when deciding if their child can be safe home alone. Families choosing to leave their children home alone should ensure their children know what steps to take in the event of an emergency.

Child Welfare Services

1. Does Child Welfare Services intervene in situations involving custody disputes?: No. Child Welfare Services only intervenes in cases of suspected child abuse and neglect. Families are instructed to contact the Tuolumne County Family Court at 209-533-6936 for child custody related matters.

2. What is the legal age at which a child can be left home alone?: There is no legally defined age for a child to remain home alone. Parents are encouraged to use good judgment when making this decision, and to consider the child's developmental and cognitive abilities when deciding if their child can be safe home alone. Families choosing to leave their children home alone should ensure their children know what steps to take in the event of an emergency.

3. Is there a limit to how many children can sleep in one bedroom?: As long as children are provided a safe environment to sleep, there is no limit on how many individuals can share a bedroom. There are limits and different standards for Foster Family Homes.

4. Can I review my Child Welfare Services records?: Yes. If you would like to review your referral/case records, please call Child Welfare Services at 209-533-5717. An appointment date and time will be scheduled for you to come to the office and review your records.

5. Does Child Welfare Services have Social Workers available after hours or on the weekends?: Child Welfare Services has staff available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to respond to emergencies and take reports of suspected child abuse and neglect. You may access these services by calling 209-533-HELP.

6. Can I make a report to Child Welfare Services and remain anonymous?: If you are a mandated reporter, you may not remain anonymous. If you are unsure if you are a mandated reporter, you can review section 11165.7 of the Penal Code for a complete listing. If you are still unsure, you may contact the Child Welfare Services office and seek clarification. If you are calling as a non-mandated reporter, your report can be made anonymous.

7. Am I entitled to feedback on an investigation if I called in the report?: If you made the report as a mandated report, you are entitled to limited feedback. The law prohibits Child Welfare Services from providing any non-mandated reporter with any feedback.

8. Does Child Welfare Services accept volunteers and/or donations?: Yes. If you are interested in volunteering your time or would like to make a donation, please call the Child Welfare Services main office at 209-533-5717, and ask to speak to a Supervisor.

9. What if I have other questions?: Child Welfare Services staff is always available to answer your questions. Please feel free to call our main office at 209-533-5717 and we will do our best to answer your questions.