WHEELER AMRY AIRFIELD, Hawaii -- Minor children cannot be left alone and unsupervised on post.
This guidance, among other standards, is outlined in U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii Policy #34, which states that children under 10 must be supervised within family housing areas of Island Palm Communities, at playgrounds, at bus stops and in any other places outside military family housing.
For example, if a child walks to school and he or she is less than 10 years old, a parent or an appropriate caregiver must accompany the child. The caregiver could be an older sibling, another adult or the parent.
Similarly, if a child under 10 lives off post and walks on post for school, the child must be escorted when he or she enters the Army installation.
"These policies are established for the safety of our children and our community," said Lt. Col. Robert Arnold, executive officer, Directorate of Emergency Services, USAG-HI. "Though the policy states that 'parents are ultimately responsible for the welfare and actions of their children,' military police and Department of the Army civilian police are charged with maintaining safety and security throughout USAG-HI installations.
"The safety and security of children is paramount," Arnold added. "When parents follow USAG-HI Policy #34, it helps us protect the children within our military communities."
Vast research has been conducted and studied to determine appropriate age ranges for child supervision, according to the Family Advocacy Program in USAG-HI's Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation.
The policy memorandum also specifies youth must complete a mandatory baby sitter course to baby-sit or supervise non-siblings.
Policy #34 provides guidance on several other topics. The policy states the number of hours when keiki or youth can be left alone, gives other providers of baby sitter certifications and sets curfew hours.
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