Navigating Intoxicated Parenting: A Call for Clear Guidelines in Kentucky Law
Abstract
While no specific age is provided in Kentucky law for when a child may stay home alone, in certain circumstances, Child Protective Services (CPS) will substantiate neglect against parents who leave their child unattended. This occurs if the child is, for whatever reason, incapable of meeting their immediate needs while unattended in such a way “that the physical health and safety of the child is negatively affected.” Similarly, if the child is of sufficient age and mental capacity so that the child is not placed at risk of harm by being alone, CPS will not substantiate a finding of supervision neglect against the parents or legal guardians. CPS social workers often piggyback off of supervision neglect to substantiate findings of neglect against parents who are physically present but too intoxicated to care for the basic needs of their children, thereby negatively affecting the physical health and safety of the child.
Document Type
Note
Publication Date
4-13-2025
Notes/Citation Information
Emily Prince, Navigating Intoxicated Parenting: A Call for Clear Guidelines in Kentucky Law, Ky. L. J. Online (April 13, 2025), https://perma.cc/4TRA-79SE.