Reportable?

[Logged Out]

This is not relating to children in my care, but in my neighborhood.

Several weeks ago when DCM came to pick up her son, she told me that a child (in only a diaper!!! on a chilly day!!!!) from two doors down was in the middle of the street and as she was driving very slowly along, an older child (ten maybe?) came running out to grab him. The next day it happened again. I did not witness any of these.

Today though, I was coming home from the store and driving down my street encountered a child about three trotting down the street after a ball. Further up, just in front of the house where they live, a child about 18 mos or 2 was riding a toy out into the middle of the street.

I slowed waaaaay down and was about to stop the car and get out and walk the children home when they were spotted and retrieved. The older one had to be chased.

I didn't think the first two needed reported because a) I didn't see them and b) I was thinking perhaps an isolated incident. Now, though, I've seen it for myself and I suspect it's a pattern and pretty common. What do you think? (I'm pretty sure I know the answer...)

[Ariana]

I would call the police definately! the police need to know about this stuff.

[sharlan]

I would call the police. It would be nice if your parent adding to the complaint.

[Kiki]

I would call the police. Did you see where they belong? It only takes one person to not see them, and then it's a tragedy, I would call now. Dang those parents!!
But that's how I am. I'm the kind of person that calls the police to report idiot parents that have children in their cars, but not in the proper car seats. (Multiple times. SMH!)

[wdmmom]

I doubt the police would do anything more than contact DHS. You can do that yourself. Call in the complaint and let them investigate it.

[Countrygal]

I know I'm old-fashioned, but I would talk to the mom first. If a child is retrieving the children, perhaps she has her older children watching the younger and they are not doing a good job of it!

I'd just walk over there, knock on her door, introduce myself and explain that you have had several people who have been worried because her children are playing in the street.

She'll probably act all put-out, but hopefully she'd listen. I'd tell her exactly how many times and how often I've seen or heard a dcp complain. Then, if nothing changes, I'd call CPS.

[Logged Out]

I think I'm more likely to go to Child Services rather than the cops; it's not like the kids are in the street all day (I have been checking).

I am not sure about going and talking to the mom...for one thing, there are a LOT of people living in that house--they are recent immigrants from another country. I am pretty sure the adults don't speak English.

*sigh* I hate being put in this situation, regardless.

[DaisyMamma]

Also if you talk to mom first then she will know who called CPS if you have to later on.


But she may just need to be told it is not ok. If they are from out of the country this could be completely normal for them. Cultures can be very different from one another, it is surprising what can be considered acceptable in other countries.

[Kaddidle Care]

Ah yes, but the children don't have a choice in the matter. Please do the right thing before one of them becomes a statistic.

[countrymom]

I would call cas/cps because if they don't speak english then cas will help them get the right tools. Sometimes its best to remain anon on situations like this, incase they come knocking on your door.