Literal question
Sometimes adults taking care of children have to leave the house to go shopping, wash clothes, or for other reasons and have to leave young children with others.
Since last (day of the week) how many times was (name) left in the care of another child (that is, someone less than 10 years old)?
Interviewer instructions
This question is used to assess whether children are at increased risk, either because they are left alone or are left with a child as caregiver. These situations have been shown to be associated with higher risk for children, although there are many exceptions.
The question sets up a hypothetical situation, one in which the mother/primary caretaker would be gone for more than just a moment - situations in which the child could be left alone for an hour or more. The question specifies that we want to know about situations in which the respondent actually leaves the premises, not simply going out of sight of the child, such as to another part or another room of the house.
When asking this question, insert the name of the day of the interview. For example, if the interview is taking place on a Tuesday, ask: "since last Tuesday,…" Enter the response in the spaces provided. If the child was not left in the care of another child during this period, enter '00' for 'None'.
Note that 'another child' is defined as a child less than 10 years old.
