* State laws vary greatly: Some states have specific laws regarding the unsupervised care of children, particularly regarding their age and ability to safely manage themselves. These laws might define a minimum age for unsupervised travel to and from school, or they might focus on neglect if the child's safety is demonstrably at risk.
* Level of risk: The state is more likely to intervene if there are clear signs of neglect or risk to the child's safety. This might include a dangerous bus stop location, the child's demonstrated inability to handle the situation safely (e.g., crossing a busy road), or a history of incidents. A child simply walking to the bus stop alone in a safe neighborhood might not trigger immediate state intervention, but the potential for intervention increases with the level of perceived risk.
* Reporting mechanisms: Often, it's not the state directly that initiates action, but rather concerned individuals like neighbors, teachers, or bus drivers who report their concerns to child protective services (CPS) or similar agencies. These agencies then assess the situation and determine whether state intervention is warranted.
* Previous concerns: If there's a history of concerns about the child's well-being or the parent's ability to provide adequate care, the state is far more likely to intervene.
In short, while an 11-year-old being unsupervised at a bus stop *could* lead to state intervention, it's not automatic. The likelihood depends on the specific circumstances and the applicable laws and policies in the child's location. If there are serious safety concerns, it's appropriate to report them to the appropriate authorities (CPS, school officials, etc.).