Concerned for safety of child down the street. DCFS? Help?

[tommygirl79]

I would like to know everyone's opinion of this situation.

All summer long a little boy about three houses down (I'd say he's three MAYBE four yrs old) would ride around on his trike with just a diaper/underwear- it changes by the day - with his older sister who I think is in 1st grade. Mom is never anywhere EVEN close to them and most of the time she is nowhere in sight. They don't wear helmets (which I'm very particular about I know but sheesh) ever. Well, of course, big sis is back to school now.

It's about 62-64 degrees here right now and as I was carrying groceries into my house he drives around into the neighbors driveway (4 houses down from his) wearing NOTHING, and I mean NOTHING, but his white underwear. The boy didn't even have shoes on. It's windy and chilly enough that even though I'm warm natured, I have on two layers on top.

I asked him if he was cold and he said yes. I politely encouraged him to go home and at least put clothes and shoes on. He didn't respond, but rode back to his house. I walked down to the house and no one is outside now and his bike is in front so i think he's safe for now.

My main concern is his health and safety. It's chilly, he could crash and skin up his whole body, plus we live on the street where the elementary school is so there are some, though not many, but still there, buses and vehicles that go past throughout the day.

My question is this? Is any of this considered to be child endangerment by the parent or anything worthy of a call to our local DCFS or equivalent office? Anyone with experience with this?

I just can't understand some parents! Children are so precious and something could happen soooo quickly. I could go on forever on that, but I won't.

Help please!

 

[Nancyg56]

I would call the police and share your concern. I also would call DCF and discuss what you have observed. Children that young should never be unsupervised , let alone outdoors. The authorities should be made aware of what could be a dangerous situation for this child.

 

[Mac and Us]

I would report it as well. Obviously, his parents aren't concerned. Someone has to watch out for our precious little ones.

 

[digskat]

I would report it as well. Unfortunately some people who have kids are those who should not! Some one has to be an advocate for this little guy and his sister. If this is what goes on outside, I couldn't dare imagine what goes on indoors! I say call and set your mind at ease, chances are the kids will be far better off. Our kids are 8 and 51/2 and they aren't allowed to roam the neighbourhood. There are far too many people in the world looking for any oppurtunity to do harm to children. Best of Luck in making your decision.

 

[Nini]

anything to his caregiver? It may not be his mother. She may not know if the older sibling in charge is allowing that to happen.

I know it is very easy for a youngster to slip outside...my dd3.5 did it yesterday. She went out back to speak with our neighbor and I heard through the bathroom door that they were talking!!

Needless to say, I went right out. It is not a problem because we know our neighbors well and "Bob & Carol" absolutely love my dd. It is just the knowledge that she did that even though we tell her NEVER to just leave and not tell us where she is (she sometimes goes from one parent outside to one parent inside...always makes one of us frantic!!! ).

Perhaps if you were to "get to know" your neighbor better, you could develop a rapport to where you could outright tell her that "her son was wandering again with no clothing on". YES, it does pose a definate risk when there is a busy street...not to mention STRANGERS!!!!!

Do what your conscience tells you to, then sleep well knowing that you did what you could.

 

[tommygirl79]

After messaging on here, I left to pick up my children at our church's mothers day out program and when I returned he was still outside, still with nothing on.

I would go with the position that he could have slipped out, except for the fact that it happens OFTEN...and I've seen the mom's reaction when she wants them in and it's NO accident that they're outside.

I have spoken to the mother on several occasions in passing by and she's kind of a tough person. Not sure I'd want to cross her...I weighed that option and with her personality I really don't want her to even know I'm watching what's going on. Does that make sense?

So, I went with my gut feeling and called the police. We live in a small town and they sent someone right over. Of course, right before he got there I watched the little guy run indoors and I don't think anyone answered when he went to the door. He got in the car and slowly drove away.

I'm afraid that will be the end of it and although I feel I did my part, I'm still concerned for the little guy. We'll see what happens I guess. At least it's not on my shoulders as much anymore...

Thanks for the help - basically just needed someone else to agree that this was serious enough to make it known to others. Thanks DISers...

 

[kkaisu]

You should give CPI a call,(Child Protective Investigation) or your city/state's equivalent, instead of the police. Tell them the details, that way if the family is already CPI involved their worker can investigate. Police don't know if a family is already CPI involved, so they would probabaly not pursue the issue. If you do not feel CPI is responding - keep calling, the more reports they get the more likely they are to investigate, especially if more than one neighbor were to call.

 

[melagan]

I would also call dcfs. I recently made a call regarding a house that is under construction (for 3 1/2 years) in our neighborhood. My daughter plays with a little boy that lives there. We live 6 houses from my ex-husband and she sometimes goes over there when she is visiting her dad,not when she is at my house. Anyway this house has no walls,no heat or ceilings. Just pretty much roughed in,well my daughter stepped on a nail that was on the front room floor and punctured the bottom of her shoe and foot. First I spoke with the parents since I know them well from living across the street when I was married to my ex and they acted as if it were no big deal. I then called the city to complain about the everlasting constuction that had been sitting dormant for about 1 1/2 years now. They told me that the house was not safe to be in and that they were taking legal action action against them. I then called DCFS because if the house is not safe then no child should be in it. At first I felt very bad for this family,not really the dad (he is a jerk),but for the mother and kids because i do know them and the situation but I have to look out for any child if their own parents or family members don't.

Hope my experience helps.

 

[Nancyg56]

Please call DCF and explain what you have told us. The child has no advocate, and if you have observed neglect, they can step in. This child is not in school, so no one in the "system" can see him. You are a caring person, or this would not have bothered you enough to look for opinions.

 

[PLUTO2]

Please call DCF because if something happens to the little boy you will have a hard time forgiving yourself, I know

 

[amy1976]

I worked for DYFS (child protective services) in my state before I had my daughter. I agree that you should make a call to CPS even though you contacted the police. The Police don't always notify CPS if they feel they handled it. When you call just give them the facts of what you saw and let them know that you tried to talk to mom first. They may respond and they may not but at least you had notified them of the situation. I do not feel that you should call over and over again until you get a response. This probably won't work. Once you contact them the call is written up and given to a superior, no matter what it says. If you call back with the same thing they will not write it up again as they already have knowledge of the incident.

 

[DisneyPhD]

I am a social worker. (mostly Clinical thearpist, not CPS.) But I had to deal with CPS often. (mostly make reports.) To tell you the truth you did the right thing with making the report, but sadly I don't think much will come of it. When he is only in his underwear, does he have any bruses? Do you hear her saying abusive things to him? How is his behavior otherwise? Is he too thin? Do you see him in a car seat when in the car? Any supisous activity in the house? Do the parents ever smell of alchol or drugs? How do the other kids seem?

Just that info isn't much to go on. In Detroit it wouldn't get a second look (sadly) because there is so many other severe cases. Sense you are in a small town it might be different. It would qualify as negeclt, but it might even be questionable (if it was the dead of winter that would be a different story.) Signs of physical abuse or even emotioanal (if you witnessed it.) are actually easier to prove.

Just based on this info there isn't a lot for a DFS worker to go on. It will be open and shut with out much info. Try to talk to him more and find out more of the story. It might be better or wrose then it looks from here. Also try to be friendly with the mother, she might need a friend and that tends to help more then anything.

 

[Meezers]

Does your local police department use a computer to track calls for service? If so...make sure you give them the address the child is at. That way the history of calls can be called up.

I just had to pull 2 years of calls for a certain address in our jurisdiction....CPS came to take the kids away after many reports of alcohol, drugs and domestic violence.

If you live in a small town...the more calls you make....trust me....the address will become familiar and something will be done!

 

[tommygirl79]

I've taken one step today. I will watch things and called CPS should I notice any further cases.

I know there are MUCH more serious cases of abuse/neglect, but the parent in me has a hard time putting neglect/abuse on too much of a scale. You either love your child with your whole heart and responsibility or you choose to think about yourself.

I also will try to better acquaint myself with the boy and his mother without being obvious, of course.

It's just so tough. I just don't understand some people - and I'm sure I'm not supposed to because it really DOESN'T make sense...

Okay, off my box. Thanks for all of your advice. This was a huge step for me to even call the police as my usual stance would be to stay out of things, but when a child is involved I see no choice.

 

[DisneyPhD]

I've taken one step today. I will watch things and called CPS should I notice any further cases.

I know there are MUCH more serious cases of abuse/neglect, but the parent in me has a hard time putting neglect/abuse on too much of a scale. You either love your child with your whole heart and responsibility or you choose to think about yourself.

I also will try to better acquaint myself with the boy and his mother without being obvious, of course.

It's just so tough. I just don't understand some people - and I'm sure I'm not supposed to because it really DOESN'T make sense...

Okay, off my box. Thanks for all of your advice. This was a huge step for me to even call the police as my usual stance would be to stay out of things, but when a child is involved I see no choice.

Your current observations alone may or may not be anything. That is why we have duty to report laws. If your observations, are coupled that that of others (teachers, etc...) that might add up to more and what you have added to this story could be important.

Good luck, I undersatnd what you mean. As a social worker I have seen too much. The fact you care is a good thing. I hate it when an outsider seems to care more about the welfare of a child then their family.

Good luck, keep us updated if things get better (or worse.)

 

[mbb]

Please call DCF because if something happens to the little boy you will have a hard time forgiving yourself, I know

Just wanted to send a your way...hope it helps a little..

 

[PLUTO2]

Thank you.

 

[shruley]

I'm a CPS social worker- part of my job is to actually take all those intake calls. What is investigated varies so much from state to state and even town to town. But if you live in a smaller town neglect things are much more likely to be investigated and dealt with. I can tell you in our county what you describe would be investigated, especially since you can tell us specifically that it's happening over a period of time. I would call your local Human Services agency to report it and continue to report it if it keeps happening. It is also very helpful if you can call the police *while it is happening* so there can (hopefully) be some documentation and not just a "he said, she said" kind of thing. Good luck and keep trying! Someone needs to be concerned for this little child!!

 

[lillygator]

did you ever speak to the mother regarding this issue? You mentioned you spoke with her in passing but I couldn't tell if you asked about this.

 

[mom4graceandlogan]

Report it to DFCS. I was an attorney for DFCS for several years. What you described, if investigated properly, would have resulted in the mother having to sign a safety plan to provide adequate supervision and maybe also say she will ensure he is always dressed properly for the elements. Failure to comply with a safety plan could result in further action. It might also uncover other issues that you are unaable to see from the outside. I have had to report neighbors and it is very uncomfortable, but something I felt I had to do. What if he was to suddenly dash out in front of a car unsupervised? Report it and no you did what you could.