Illinois Law Says You Can't Leave Your 13-Year-Old At Home Alone

This isn't a brand new law, but a recent case stirs up much conversation on a law I think needs some changing.

Here's the Illinois law of which I'm speaking:

“any minor under the age of 14 years whose parent or other person responsible for the minor’s welfare leaves the minor without supervision for an unreasonable period of time without regard for the mental or physical health, safety, or welfare of that minor” is neglected."

It's one of the strictest in the country. And as Summer vacation is about to start, I don't like thinking that I could potentially have my daughter taken from me because I have to work. Not to mention that she turns 13 in August and I'd like to think she's responsible enough to put herself on the school bus every morning after I've gone to work. If this law continues, they need to start a class for our responsible kids to obtain a license to be home alone.

My biggest problem is that nowhere does the law clearly define "unreasonable amount of time" or exactly what "without regard for mental or physical health, safety or welfare" means.

Here's the case that's stirring up the talk again about this law:

https://www.illinoispolicy.org/leave-your-13-year-old-home-alone-police-can-take-him-into-custody-under-illinois-law/