Calling all parents Published Sept. 15, 2009 By 2nd Lt. Emily Chilson 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Parents: The next time you consider leaving a child alone on base, you need to think twice, 20th Security Forces leaders say. According to a Department of Defense Instruction, and mirrored by the Installation Security Instruction, parents on any military installation must follow a youth supervision policy. "We had a few incidents where folks didn't understand the requirements," said Maj. Tim Simmons, 20th Security Forces Squadron commander. "There's no real problem, but it's something I think the public should be educated on." The specific guidelines for the policy, suggested by the American Red Cross and enforced by security forces and family advocacy, can be found in DODI 6060.3 Table 4.1. Here are the highlights: Newborns to 4-year-olds are not to be left unattended. Children ages 5 to 6 are not to be left unattended. The only exception is on the playground or in the yard with immediate access to adult supervision. Immediate access means within visual or hearing distance. Children ages 7 to 9 are not to be left unattended, however this age group may play outside with access to adult supervision, or may be left in a vehicle for a maximum of 15 minutes with adult supervision in sight only when there is no dangerous condition like a weather advisory. The vehicle keys will be removed and the handbrake will be applied. Children ages 10 to 11 may be left at home unsupervised for a maximum of two hours, with ready access to adult supervision. Ready access means the children have a telephone or pager number with which they could reach an adult. This age group may be left in a vehicle unattended if the vehicle keys are removed and the handbrake is applied. Eleven-year-olds or 6th grade equivalents are allowed to care for their siblings for a maximum of two hours per day, and Red Cross babysitting training is required. Children ages 12 to 14, or 7th grade equivalents, may care for siblings during daytime hours before curfew, and are allowed to care for other children. Red Cross babysitting training is required. High school graduates, and children at least 15 years old, may care for siblings and other children during daytime hours before curfew. Minors age 16 and older may be left unattended for short temporary duties or leave not to exceed five consecutive days. These minors must have some type of adult supervision to make periodic checks. Following this policy is important for the protection of our children and to guide new parents who may not understand the impact of leaving a child alone or unsupervised, Major Simmons said. According to the policy, when parents are unable to provide supervision for their children under 9 years of age, they should be in supervised care such as a family childcare home, school age program or supervised by an adult in their own home. "It's very important everyone understand these policies and teach our new parents," he said. Violations will be reported to the family advocacy office at 803-895-1577 for appropriate investigation and corrective actions. To schedule Red Cross babysitting training, please call 803-895-2251.