Parents

Published on: February 21, 2023

So, when can I leave my kids alone?

By Paula Simon

The number one question on the Oregon Legal Research website has for many years been “When Can I Leave My Kids Home Alone?” The last time this was updated was in 2011, so I thought I’d update that page.

Oregon does not have a law specifically stating the exact age when children can be left home alone. However, the child neglect statutes do offer some guidance, along with cases that interpret those statutes. It is also helpful to look at the information provided by government agencies. If you read the updated Q&A you will find the text of the statutes and links to helpful resources.

Published on: January 19, 2021

Can I Leave My Kids Home Alone? Child neglect and related crimes in Oregon

By Laura Orr

Wondering how to interpret Oregon’s Child Neglect statutes in ORS Chapter 163.505 et seq. “Offenses against the family,” including but not limited to sections 163.545 And 163.547?

This (undated) Oregon Department of Human Services FAQ has these Home Alone tips, on page 4 of the PDF:

“Can a child be left home alone at the age of ten?

Continue reading →

Published on: July 16, 2009

Oregon Same-Sex Couple: Right to Parental Status: Shineovich v. Kemp

By Laura Orr

Media Release (July 15, 2009) summarizing the case.

Oregon Court of Appeals case: Shineovich V. Kemp (A138013), filed July 15, 2009.

Excerpt: “In this action for declaratory relief, petitioner challenges the constitutionality of two statutes under which a married man is, by operation of law, deemed to be the legal parent of children born to his wife. Petitioner and respondent were in a same-sex relationship for 10 years, during which time respondent twice became pregnant by artificial insemination. After the parties separated, petitioner brought this action, seeking a declaration that she is a legal parent of the two children born to respondent. She asserted that ORS 109.070(1) (2003) and ORS 109.243(1) create a privilege–legal parenthood by operation of law–on the basis of gender and sexual orientation, in violation of Article I, section 20, of the Oregon Constitution. After the parties submitted their pleadings, the trial court dismissed petitioner’s claims for failure to state a claim for relief, and petitioner appeals. We conclude that ORS 109.070 (2003) does not violate Article I, section 20, but that ORS 109.243 does. Accordingly, we reverse and remand.” (read full case)