Calling CPS.

[eurydicebound]

So I was working on my homework tonight and the little boy from across the street (who is seven) knocked on my door, asking if he could spend the night. I told him no, as the boys were with their dad and not here. He asked if he could anyway as he couldn't get into his house. He hadn't eaten, so I made him supper, called some friends for a quick take on the situation, and then saw him home. I couldn't rouse an adult in the house, but he did open the back door and go in -- he said his uncle was home and asleep (there is a car at home). I called out but there was no answer. I made sure the boy was okay, and he assured me there was an adult home, and then I went back over to the house and called child protective services. (Other family members have arrived home since then). This isn't the first thing that's made me uneasy about the boy's welfare, but it is the clearest sign that there are potential neglect issues. I reported it to CPS and hopefully there will be an investigation and hopefully I won't get drawn into the middle of it. Even if I do, though... if it means a seven-yr-old has someone to make his supper and put him to bed and make sure he's not locked out of his house after dark, I guess that's worth it, right?

CPS did let me know that the better thing to do next time is to call the police so that they can assist the child (and are covered in case there is no adult there after all)

Gah.

So much for a significant level of progress on homework tonight. My concentration is shot. I just hope that I did the right thing.

Comments

[mysticalforest.livejournal.com]

Gah!

[anaka.livejournal.com]

Indeed.

[trollbabe.livejournal.com]

That poor kid. You definitely did the right thing.

At the very least, that family needs someone to point out to them that it's not okay to leave a 7-year-old kid to fend for themselves like that.

[ifeedformula.livejournal.com]

While you did do the right thing, I wouldn't trust CPS as far as I could throw their asses. More than likely they will see the home he lives in is a suitable living enviroment and that there are adults present at least 95% of the time. They will probably admonish the adults there about food, s upervision, etc and go on their merry way. CPS doesn't do crap most of the time unless a child is in imminent and obvious danger.

[metallian.livejournal.com]

Gah, indeed.

I think you absolutely did the best that could be done. I hope there is no unfortunate fallout for you.

[jediwiker.livejournal.com]

Having heard some horror stories lately about parents WAY overreacting to other adults intervening in their children's welfare, I, too, hope there isn't a backlash.

But I think you did the right thing.

JD

[roserain.livejournal.com]

Bah, stuff like that makes my blood boil. You did do the right thing, and at least you know next time to call the police. But damn, that's horrible. :(

[electricland.livejournal.com]

Aiee!

Add me to the "you did the right thing" group. I hope everything works out OK.

[oldmangrumpus.livejournal.com]

Wow, that's a belly-drop.

I think I've lived in this state longer than you have, and I can assure from the day I got here there have been negative stories about CPS in Washington. I'm just amazed that they were frank enough to tell you to call the cops. I think you did the right thing but I realize it must be very upsetting.

[anaka.livejournal.com]

I know. I've heard them too. But its the recourse I have.

[anaka.livejournal.com]

I gave CPS my information so they could contact me, but they agreed that it wouldn't be given to the family when they investigate.

[anaka.livejournal.com]

I know. But its all I can do.

[jediwiker.livejournal.com]

Actually, I'd be more worried about the seven-year-old blabbing. If CPS contacts him, his parents will grill him about why. Eventually, he'll innocently state that the nice lady across the street made him supper. They'll immediately suspect you.

I still say you were absolutely correct to contact child protection--just be aware that thee are going to be consequences in terms of neighborly relations.

Perhaps your best tactic would be to ask all of your other neighbors over to watch Spartacus. Right before the "I'm Spartacus" scene, stop the movie and tell them all what you did. So, when Mr. and Mrs. Neglectful come asking, everyone in the neighborhood will say "I called Child Protection Services." With any luck, Mr. and Mrs. Neglectful will get the message that they should either shape up, or ship out.

JD

[anaka.livejournal.com]

Well, there is no Mr. Only Ms. and Uncles and a Grandma no one's seen. I told my landlords last night what I was doing and why as well, so I'm not the only one who knows what's going on.

I am aware that there could be. There just wasn't any other choice.

[jediwiker.livejournal.com]

There just wasn't any other choice.

Again, not an admonishment, but a warning of what to expect next.

JD

[innocent-man.livejournal.com]

I am aware that there could be. There just wasn't any other choice.

When my daughter asks me someday what "courage" means, this is what I'll tell her.

[exilesletter.livejournal.com]

Sleep well.

You did the right thing, and I like to think it will all be fine.

[ifeedformula.livejournal.com]

Then that's all you can do.