Eielson cares about its kids

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Yash Rojas
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  From toddlers to young adults, children rely on their parents for just about everything, especially safety and protection. The Eielson Air Force Base Youth Supervision Policy serves Airmen as a tool to help make everyday decisions ensuring their loved-ones are safe.

"The youth supervision policy encourages on-base parents to keep children under a close eye," said Tech. Sgt. Scott Stitt, 354th Security Forces Squadron flight sergeant.

Children continue to find new ways to challenge mom or dad, but guidelines such as the youth supervision policy are put in place to keep Airmen's families safe.

Patricia Sandusky, wife of Master Sgt. Jeff Sandusky, 354th Fighter Wing deputy inspector General, is the parent of three children ages two, five and ten.

"My five year old always asks why his sister, age ten, is allowed to go play outside without me watching and he is not," she said. "To me a five-year-old is not ready to be outside on their own because they are still developing decision making skills. My daughter didn't get to play outside on her own until she was nine."

"I know that not all parents feel the same way, so this policy is important to me because it helps with the safety of other children," she added.

If unsure about whether or not to leave a child unattended take a look at the youth supervision policy. Staying informed on the do's and don'ts of the policy could help avoid an unnecessary mishap.

"Following guidelines set by the policy will prevent children from falling in harm's way," said Sergeant Stitt.

The policy defines scenarios in which children may or may not be left alone depending on age and maturity.

Children under the age of four should not be left without a sitter in any circumstance. Once children reach the age of five or six they can be left outside unattended in particular situations; for example, children can be allowed to play outside in a playground or yard with immediate access to adult supervision.

The policy varies from age to age especially between ages 10 to 11. A ten-year old child is not allowed to be unattended at home for more than two hours whereas a child age 11-years or older can as long as he or she has access to adult supervision.

Children ages 12 to 14 are allowed more opportunities for self-management.

They can be left alone during the day, but only before curfew. If children are alone after curfew it is recommended they have access to emergency contact information for an adult supervisor. Children who do not consistently exhibit age-appropriate behavior should not be left unsupervised. Parents are responsible for using reasonable judgment.

"As a parent, my children are the most important thing," said Sergeant Stitt. "As their father, it's my responsibility to keep them safe."

Eielson Air Force Base promotes a safe environment for Airmen to watch their children learn and grow by relying on everyone's cooperation. The Airman and Family Readiness Center provides Red Cross babysitting training or an equivalent if parents need a break.

The youth supervision policy remains in place as a tool to ensure children's safety. Parents are fully responsible for children's well-being and are encouraged to use available resources.

Editor's note: Click here to obtain a copy of the Base Supervision Policy or contact the base housing office or Airman and Family Readiness Center.