DANBURY, N.H. (AP) – Robert and Alexandra Graf thought that they had taken the necessary steps before leaving their four children, ages 8 to 16, for two days while they took a trip to New York City.

The Grafs left the children in the care of a a 35-year-old live-in chef, a 23-year-old family friend and the neighbor across the street. The couple, who own the Inn at Danbury, went to watch celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse prepare food on his television show.

But when they called to check in on the children, they learned that the family was being investigated by the state’s Division of Child, Youth and Family. A call had been placed with the agency alleging that the parents were negligent.

Mrs. Graf said that she made calls to the childrens schools before the trip and asked the neighbor to help her 8-year-old off of the bus. Her 16-year-old daughter, who has her driver’s license, was to pick up the 11- and 13-year-olds from school.

She learned that her children were taken out of class and questioned by a state worker.

She was angry that she wasn’t notified first, or that someone concerned about the children didnt try to find out more information before calling the state.

According to state laws, there is no minimum age at which children cannot be left alone. But, according to Maggie Bishop, child protection administrator at DCYF, everyone in New Hampshire is a mandated reporter and must report any suspected abuse or neglect.

The family met with a representative from the agency last week and was notified that no further investigation would take place. And because of state laws, the Grafs were not given the name of the person that made the report.

“The state needs to put a different system into place,” Mrs. Graf said. “Other steps should be taken before going to this level.”

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Information from: Citizen, http://www.fosters.com/citizen

AP-ES-11-24-04 1135EST