Utah passed the nation's first Reasonable Childhood Independence Law in 2018.
Utah was the first state to adopt a Reasonable Childhood Independence Law in 2018. Learn more and get a peek at the process.
State Laws And Policies
Criminal Law:
Endangerment is defined as recklessly engaging in conduct that creates a substantial risk of death or serious bodily harm to a child. Utah Code Ann. § 76-5-112
In 2018, Utah became the first state to pass a Reasonable Childhood Independence — or so-called “Free-Range Parenting” — law. Its Juvenile Court Law, Utah Code Ann 78-6, specifically protects independent activities for children as permissible and “not neglect,” including traveling to and from school by walking, running, or bicycling; traveling to and from nearby commercial or recreational facilities; engaging in outdoor play; remaining in a vehicle unattended, except under conditions otherwise prohibited; or engaging in a similar independent activity.
Disclaimer:
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.
We’ve Been Very Successful In Utah
Utah was the first state in the U.S. to pass a free range parenting law!
Let Grow built an enthusiastic following, which culminated in early 2018 with the Utah Free Range Parenting Law, the first of its kind in the nation. Utah’s law says that letting your kids play outside, walk to school, wait briefly in the car (under some circumstances) or come home with a latchkey is not neglect unless something else seriously bad is going on.
