Allentown’s kids are ready for summer break, and this should be a fun and safe time for them. Parents, neighbors, guardians, and community members all play a role in ensuring their safety and well-being.

It’s natural for parents to worry about leaving children unsupervised at home. Pennsylvania has no specific legal age for children to be left alone. Whether your child can stay home alone safely depends on age, maturity, cognitive abilities and the length of time they will be alone. Establish clear rules and provide resources like emergency contact lists and an emergency plan. Conduct a test run to assess their readiness before making it a regular practice.

Protecting our children must be a top priority for all Pennsylvanians. The PA Family Support Alliance promotes The Front Porch Project, a community-based prevention effort that equips community members with the knowledge, training, and encouragement to actively prevent abuse and neglect. Learn more about The Front Porch Project at pafsa.org/the-front-porch-project.

If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, contact ChildLine at 1-800-932-0313.

Angela Liddle

The writer is the president and CEO of the PA Family Support Alliance.

From The Morning Call, June 13, 2024