Leaving Kids Unattended in Car..........

According to the City of Apple Valley, it's illegal, although they didn't say at what age you are allowed to start.

http://www.ci.apple-valley.mn.us/police/Hot_Topics/main_p...

Don’t Leave Children Unattended in Vehicles

The Apple Valley Police Department periodically receives calls of children left unattended in a motor vehicle. This practice is not only unsafe, but is against the law. Remember that it only takes a moment for a tragedy to take place. Keep your children with you at all times. Error on the side of safety, not convenience.

I had a similar experience yesterday at the YWCA in Minneapolis. There was a 7 year-old boy sitting in his car when I pulled up. I probably wouldn't have noticed him if he weren't sitting on the back of his car as I got out of mine, and I asked him "where's your mommy?", he said "at work". Then "where's your daddy?", to which he replied "in there". So I asked some men who were nearby if one of them was his father, but it turned out that his father was working out in the gym! The front desk people brought the boy in to wait for his dad. It reminded me of when that father left his 4 year-old in the casino parking lot last spring.

Since I alerted the Y staff (who are wonderful), I didn't call the police. The boy was from another culture, so I'm hoping that the staff explained to his father that here it is not OK to leave children unattended in a parking lot. I'm guessing that in his country, as in many, it is acceptable to leave kids unattended.

If it were somewhere without a caring staff to take care of the unattended child, I would call the police. Otherwise what can you do, stay with the child until the parent returns?

Hi B.

I'm not sure of the leagality issue, but...I can tell you, some people just shouldn't be parents. I've seen parents make some borderline decisions myself. I've even said something to a parent once (my being a Nosey Nelly) and it back fired on me. The parent (bad mommy) chewed me out cursing me out infront of her 3 year old daughter. I've regretted saying something because that experience taught me that some parents are just not good parents and no matter what you do or say to them, it will not effect them enough to change their parenting style...they will always be bad parents. You could have called the police but don't beat yourself up because you didn't. Bottom line is that those children are not your responsibility. Perhaps the parent is a good parent, but made a bad judgement call and made a mistake, who knows. Medling in someone elses business isn't always the right course of action. If the kids weren't fighting and they were just laying there looking hot and uncomfortable, then...yes...police would be a good choice. Them fighting in the car makes me believe that they were not in any real harm, or their body's would have indicated otherwise.

Good for you for being concerned. I have seen this happen a few times and have called the police. This was a few years ago, and in my area, at that time, it was not illegal. The police officer did thank me for calling and did come out and talk to the parents who did this - informing/reminding them of how unsafe it is. I was told if I saw a child left alone in a car again, to call 911 immediately, so they can come out right away and catch the parent doing it. The officer said even though it was not against the law (again in my area at that time, things may be different in different areas and even in my area now a few years later), they still like to talk to parents about it and let them know it isn't a good idea. So, I would recommend calling 911 if you see a child left alone in the car. It is better to be safe than sorry.
S.

I'm not sure if it's illegal but it is definitly child endagerment!! I'd call the police next time. You just never know. So sorry you had to see that. How disturbing!!!

It is illegal until they are 12 or 13 years old. Same age as when Daycare says you're cut off, or you can stay home alone. I know my parents used to leave me and my brother alone in the car when we were kids, but these are different times we live in. It's a scary place to grow up now, and you are a good person for being bothered by this.

Hi B. -
I think it depends on where it is - if it is considered "illegal" (also age is a factor), however, the police department in my town will come and they will report you to child protection who will determine what will happen. I would not hesitate to call 911 especially when the weather is hot - it only takes minutes for children to over-heat. We had a police officer talk on this subject at a MOM's Club meeting - and the bottom line is: DON'T EVER DO IT. She also said that many people will call in license plate numbers to parents who have left their kids in the car (running in to pay for gas - picking up laundry, etc.), and they follow up on all those calls as well.

Yes it is illegal.. it is called Child Endangerment!I would have called 911, and made sure the police were there before the father could leave because next time he does this it could have disasterous consequences on both the father and the children's lives.

Go with your gut!! If it doesn't feel right, it probably isn't! And if it is perfectly legal, when you do call the police they will tell you so.
You did Good!!! It bothered you & you made sure the dad came back, so at least the kids survived their father's stupidity this time around. Sorry you had to see it though!!

A.