New figures released in the UK show that every day a parent is arrested on suspicion of leaving their children on their own.
The research by the
Press Association revealed that at least 105 parents of children aged between a few weeks to 14-years-old faced investigation in the last three months of 2014.
The figures ignited renewed interest in the case of Tim Haines a father and family law advocate who faced charges of "willful exposure of a child to risk of harm" in 2004 when he left his toddler daughter unattended in his car while he dashed to a nearby shop, ironically to buy calpol.
He was found guilty though eventually managed to have this verdict overturned and expunged from his record. However, it was over a year before the ruling was overturned. This year proved a nightmare for the Haines' who were terrified their five children could be taken into care.
Mr Haines said at the time:
“I didn’t know this was something that was going to be completely life-changing. I didn’t think I was doing anything different to what you see people doing when they drop off one child at school and leave another in the car or go in to pay at the petrol garage.”
Currently we have no legislation regarding children being left unattended or home alone, nor are there any state guidelines. Likewise according to
Citizens Information.
"There is no legal minimum age for babysitting. (The babysitter's level of maturity and competence are the main attributes a parent should consider)."
The same is true of the UK, though as the case of Mr. Haines highlights should a law enforcer deem your actions inappropriate the consequences could be catastrophic for parents who didn't believe they were doing anything wrong in the first place.
In the UK Liberal Democrat MP John Hemming has called on the Government to provide clarity on the issue, saying: “Potentially, someone who leaves a baby in a car seat in a petrol station could face prosecution. Similarly, whereas an eight-year-old can be sent to go swimming or to the park on their own, they are not allowed to stay at home (alone). There does need to be more clarity on this."
In light of several incidents of attempted abductions in the last month alone, it seems more pertinent than ever to establish guidelines for parents.
