California passed a reasonable childhood independence resolution in 2026

California’s Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act, at 4 CCR 11164-11174.3 includes threatened harm to a child’s welfare through acts or omissions. Under 4 CCR 11165.3, these acts or omissions include willfully causing or permitting any child to suffer, or inflicting thereon, unjustifiable physical pain or mental suffering. 4 CCR § 11164-11174.3. The Reporting Act at 4 CCR 11165.3 makes it a criminal offense, as does the Penal Code at Section 273a, to harm a child. There is no specific offense related to leaving a child alone but the law does authorize criminal penalties for leaving a child in a dangerous environment. A measure known as Kaitlin’s Law specifically prohibits children under six from being left in a car with the keys in the ignition or where there are specific conditions that put the child at risk unless they are with someone over 12 years of age. Vehicle Code 15620.

California’s criminal code contains the child abuse and neglect definitions in the Penal Code, Part 4,Title 1, Chapter 2 Article 2.5 of which includes “general neglect.” “General neglect” is defined as negligent failure of a person having the care or custody of a child to provide supervision even where no physical injury to the child has occurred. The lack of necessary care is also considered neglect under the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act at 4 CCR 11164-11174.3

This webpage is not a legal document, and Let Grow does not take responsibility for the content. Be mindful that some localities have rules and guidelines even when the state does not. When in doubt, consult your local authorities to confirm the laws where you live. What’s more, laws change, as do judicial interpretations of them, and this webpage may not be updated immediately.