Reply to Is there a law in MD about kids being outside without a parent?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Yes it's a rule in moco.  Children under 8 must have someone 13 or older with them.  [/quote]

No, it’s a MARYLAND law.

http://dhs.maryland.gov/documents/Child%20Protective%20Services/Brochures/Unattended-Childre-Brochure-2016.pdf[/quote]

Nope. That law is specific to being confined in a house or car.
Remember the huge news a few years ago when some kids were walking home alone from the park.
MD DHS issues a statement explicitly stating that the 8 year old law does NOT apply  to kids playing alone outside.

[/quote]

NP-- This is correct. Our MoCo home and elementary school are in a very diverse and compact/walkable neighborhood and the school (maybe MCPS itself?) sends home a back-to-school letter that, among other things, VERY explicitly says basically "Do NOT call CPS on, or attempt to intercept or grill, kids who are walking home from school alone, hanging out in their neighborhood alone, etc., even if they appear to be under 8. Being outside alone is LEGAL." They further note that "different cultures have different rules for independence and this is NOT ILLEGAL." They say something like they recommend kids start walking by themselves in ~3rd grade, but reiterate that it's not prohibited at any age.

The 8-year-old rule is very very narrowly tailored to buildings and cars. [/quote]

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