Can I be left to look after myself?

Under 6 years old it is a serious criminal offence for anyone to unlawfully abandon you. Also, parents or guardians must provide their children under 16 with the “necessaries” of life. These are usually considered to include food, shelter and medical care. If they fail to do this and the child dies or their health is permanently injured, the parents or
guardians could be found guilty of a criminal offence punishable by up to seven years in prison.

If you are under 14 years your parent or carer cannot leave you without making reasonable provisions for your supervision and care, which would normally mean making sure you have a babysitter.

If your parent or carer wilfully neglects you when you are under 17 years then they could be found guilty of an offence punishable by up to 6 months in prison.

Sometimes leaving a child or young person under 17 to look after themselves can amount to “neglect” or “abuse”, depending on the age and maturity of the child and the length of time they are left to look after themselves. In such cases the Child, Youth and Family Services can become involved and if the child’s situation does not improve
they may seek a declaration that the child is “in need of care and protection”. The court may also make orders giving custody of the child to someone else.
(ss152, 154 Crimes Act 1961; s10A, 10B Summary Offences Act 1981; ss14, 67 & 101 Children Young Persons and their Families Act 1989)