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'Home Alone vs. Illinois law: Consequences for parents who leave kids at home alone
'Home Alone' was set in the Chicago suburbs, which means Illinois law would apply if this actual incident occurred.
CHICAGO - ‘Home Alone’ is a fun movie, but in real life, what happened would have been a crime.
The movie is set in the Chicago suburbs, meaning Illinois law would apply.
As stated in the law, leaving a child at home who is younger than 14 is considered neglect or abuse.
In Illinois, a child can be taken from a parent and into state custody without a warrant. All it takes is probable cause.
A study by Human Rights Watch and the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) found removing a child from their parents, even if it is just for a short time, can be highly traumatizing and have long-term consequences.