When is it okay for your child to be HOME ALONE?

Home is the place where a child should feel 

protected and safe. But what about those times when a parent can’t be there? If there is no affordable after-school program or sitter available, when is it okay for your child to be home alone?

There is no right answer for every child. There is no magic age when a child suddenly becomes responsible and mature. But there are ways to evaluate your child’s capabilities in order to make a more informed decision.

Review these questions:

·         Is your child mature enough to be home alone?

o   Age in years and age in maturity are very different things. A child who does not know how to respond to a knock at the door, or one who forgets to lock the door, is not ready to be left alone.

·         Can your child handle fear, loneliness, and boredom?

o   These are some of the things kids face when they are home by themselves.

·         Is there a responsible adult nearby, a relative or a neighbor, who your child can call for assistance?

o   Even if you work nearby, there may be times when you will not be available. Who can your child turn to then?

·          Does your child know emergency procedures? Have you reviewed fire escape routes? Is there a first aid kit available, and does your child know how to use it?

o   Role-play with your child. Pretend there is an emergency and see your child’s response.

·         Does your child perform everyday tasks such as fixing a snack, dialing the phone, and writing messages?

o   These are necessary skills.

·         Does your child regularly solve small problems without assistance, knowing when it’s okay to ask for help?

o   If your child arrived home to find the front door open, or a window broken, what would be the results?

·         Are there siblings who will also be home? Does your child manage conflicts with/among siblings without adult help?

o   The best way to answer this is to watch your child with siblings. If your child doesn’t manage well when you’re home, most likely the situation will not improve when you’re away.

·         Is your child comfortable with the idea of staying alone?

o   Ask! If the answer is no, then it is definitely not a good idea. A child must feel confident about being alone and self-sufficient for the time you are way.

If you and your child are confident that the time is right, try leaving your child for short periods of time to test the results. Call it an “experiment.” First, make sure that these elements are in place:

·         There should be a basic agreement, a contract of sorts, between you and your child about what is expected when you are away, with clear rules as to what is off-limits.

·         Make a thorough check of your home for safety risks, access to kitchen appliances (especially gas), alcoholic beverages, and firearms. Remove these risks!

·         Make certain your child has every key necessary to get into the house, with a plan for what to do if the keys are lost.

·         All necessary information should be kept by every phone. Your home address, emergency numbers, your contact info, neighbor’s phone number.

·         And, if possible, leave a cell phone number or pager number to reach you immediately.

Afterwards discuss your experiment. Did each person feel comfortable? IF you still have concerns, contact a trusted professional or clergy person to help you address your concerns. Try the experiment again when everyone feels more comfortable and confident.

 This information was brought to you by Prevent Child Abuse Indiana www.pcain.org

ART from the HEART

Montgomery County Youth Service Bureau

PRESS RELEASE: Artist call out for Inaugural Art from the Heart event

            There is something special about creating art from the heart, and that is just what the Montgomery County Youth Service Bureau seeks.

The YSB is currently calling all artists, ages 15-19, to participate in the inaugural Art From The Heart event at creativeLAB, 117 E. Main St.  Artists are asked to create artwork with the theme “My Happy Place” in mind.  These works will be showcased at creativeLAB from May 7^th until May 17^th. During that time the community can place silent bids. On May 17^th there will be an artist reception and final auction.

Art from the Heart will help benefit the YSB’s Court Appointed Special Advocate Program (CASA). It will also help the community recognize the importance of community involvement to prevent child abuse and neglect.

“As a community we all need to be aware that not every child has a happy place. It is our duty to look out for ALL the children, not just our children and our grandchildren. This is a chance for children in Montgomery County to help other children in need. What better way than expressing themselves through art?” Volunteer Coordinator Sue Brassel said.

All artwork will be auctioned off on May 17^th during a reception hosted by creativeLAB and the YSB.  Artists will receive a portion of the proceeds raised from their work. The remainder of the proceeds will go to benefit the CASA program.

The CASA program trains and supervises CASA volunteers who advocate on behalf of abused and neglected children (CHINS) in Montgomery County. These CASA volunteers are able to be supports to the child to make sure their basic needs are being met, and that they are in a stable and loving home as soon as possible.

creativeLab is a gallery showcasing work from established as well as budding artists. It is an oasis for creativity and offers a variety of classes, and basic supplies to encourage art in all of its basic forms to all ages. The LAB is located at 117 East Main St, right next to Milligan’s Flowers and across from the courthouse. “I would like the creativeLab to be a springboard for emerging artists.” said Anne Sipahimalani, owner of creativeLAB. Anne strongly supports the work the Montgomery County CASA Program provides for our community.

Artists, if interested, are asked to contact Sue Brassel at the YSB at 362-0694 ext. 20 or sbrassel@sbcglobal.net. You may also pick up a submission form at the creativeLAB.

The entry form is below. Email me at sbrassel@sbcglobal.net and I will email you a pdf version.

Child advocates rally at statehouse

(March 5, 2012)  Representatives of Montgomery County CASA volunteers and staff participated in the inaugural CASA Day at the Indiana State House on Monday, March 5th. Montgomery County joined representatives from 47 other counties from the State rallying for the CASA program volunteers.

            CASA volunteers advocate on behalf of abused and neglected children who are involved in the child welfare system.  They are able to provide a voice in the court for the child, making sure the child’s best interests are presented to the court system.  They also strive to have the child in a permanent, safe and loving home as soon as possible.

            In the state of Indiana there are 3,200 CASA volunteers who advocate on behalf of more than 18,000 children.  Their volunteer efforts save the State $25 million dollars annually.  Almost 350 of those volunteers were at the State House today.

            Speakers included Indiana Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard, who was honored for his support of the CASA program. Supreme Court Justice Steve David also spoke to the CASA volunteers and staff about the importance of their work.  Finally, a former foster child, now serving as a child advocate, talked about the importance of advocating for those who are suffering abuse and neglect.

            Montgomery County Youth Service Bureau’s CASA Director Jane Christophersen said “It was exhilarating to be with so many CASAs who made the trip to the State House to rally for abused and neglected children.  I also really appreciated Senator Boots taking the time to come talk to our group.”

The CASA program is now accepting volunteer applications so every Child in Need of Services (CHINS) can be helped by a trained adult CASA volunteer who will act as an advocate and voice for the child. There will be a training session for these volunteers starting the week of  April 16th. 

If you or someone you know would be interested in becoming a CASA volunteer, please contact Jane Christophersen at 362-0694 ext. 13. She will discuss how you can start meeting the needs of abused and neglected children in Montgomery County.

CASA is a program of the Montgomery County Youth Service Bureau.  The Youth Service Bureau, founded in 1971 by the Montgomery County League of Women Voters, helps children become productive citizens through delinquency prevention, referral services, community education and youth advocacy.

            CASA Day was sponsored by the Indiana Child Advocates Network and the State Office of GAL/CASA, of the Indiana Supreme Court, Division of State Court Administration.

          

Child advocates rally at statehouse: wishtv.com