What is it with well connected parents!

I have been reading through a thesis called "Children left alone at home - the construction of a social problem". It caught my eye because Leicester University was included in the Bibliography.

The thesis does not confine itself to "latchkey" kids but also has references to children left alone while on holiday. An example is outlined below.

It also highlights the confusion regarding legislation relating to child welfare and "responsible parenting" for example, "Children Act 1989" and "Children and Young Persons Act 1933".

Even the experts are confused about legislation. One health workers was quoted as saying "I'm sure there is a policy. It's a safety thing. I'm sure that I see it as a policy issue. I thought there was a policy. I don't know if it's actually written down. I'm absolutely sure it is. But where I got that from, I don't know."

Inspires you with confidence doesn't it!

It also takes a look at the role of the media in such cases, including the national and regional press. It is a long document (108 pages) and I can't take it all in tonight. You may find a few interesting references though!

Does this story sound familiar? (1999)

A British couple spent a night in a Florida jail after leaving their two young children alone in a hotel room.

Philip Adam and his wife Jill, from Harrogate, North Yorkshire, were arrested by St Petersburg Beach Police on suspicion of child abuse.

Mr and Mrs Adam had gone on holiday with her father, Sir Lawrence Byford, a former chief inspector of constabulary in England, and his wife.

The family had gone down to the pool area at the Tradewinds resort in St Petersburg Beach to celebrate Mr Adam's 35th birthday and watch a firework display on 30 May.

'Left children alone for 45 minutes'

The couple's lawyer, John Trevena, said the couple left their children, Maisie, five, and Daniel, one, asleep in their hotel room for 45 minutes.

"Mr Trevena, said: "They have been arrested for felony child abuse for leaving the children unattended in the room. They have not been formally charged and it is my belief that they will not be formally charged. It is very, very troubling for the family. We believe that it is a tremendous over-reaction from the police."

Mr Trevena said: "They were gone no more than 45 minutes. At any time, they were no more than 100ft from the room."

Captain Joe Cornish, of St Petersburg Beach Police, denied his men had over-reacted.

He told the St Petersburg Times: "If the child had fallen off the balcony and died, nobody would be saying the parents made just a lapse in judgement."

Suprise, suprise, the charges against the daughter of Sir Lawrence Byford, a former chief inspector of constabulary in England were dropped and they were released on bail. I believe the couple later intended to sue.

Oh yes - the mother was a a university child education lecturer.