The kind of supervision children need depends on their age, maturity, abilities, and surroundings. Adequate supervision is essential to keeping kids safe. An adult caregiver is accountable for the child's care, and inadequate supervision can be a type of neglect (neglectful supervision). Here are some of things you should think about when deciding how closely to supervise a child:

• How old, emotionally mature, and capable is your child?

• What is the layout and safety of the home, play area, or other setting?

• What are the hazards and risks in the neighborhood?

• What is your child's ability to respond to illness, fire, weather, or other types of emergencies?

• Does your child have a mental, physical, or medical disability?

• How many children are being left unsupervised?

• Do they know where you are?

• Can they contact you or other responsible adults?

• How long and how often is the child (or children) left alone?

Many states do not have laws that create a minimum age at which children may be left home without the supervision of a teenager or adult. The states that do have a minimum legal age to be home alone usually place it in the 10-14 years range—and many states provide that children age 0-6 may never be left home alone. Child Protective Services may investigate an incident or situation and determine that there was neglectful supervision of a child or children, and in some cases seek to remove the child or children from the custody of the parent or parents.

In Nebraska, there is no specific law that states a minimum age at which children can be left home alone. However, child neglect is defined under Nebraska Revised Statute 28-707, and inadequate supervision can be considered a form of neglect. When determining the adequacy of supervision, factors such as the child's age, maturity, abilities, the safety of the home environment, neighborhood risks, the child's ability to handle emergencies, and whether the child has any disabilities are taken into account. Child Protective Services (CPS) in Nebraska may investigate situations where a child's supervision is in question and determine if neglectful supervision has occurred. If CPS finds evidence of neglect, they have the authority to take action, which could include removing the child from the parent's custody. Parents and caregivers should exercise prudent judgment and consider all relevant factors to ensure that children are adequately supervised at all times.