My neighbour lets her 2 & 4 yr old outside alone all day!! Im scared for her kids, should i confront her ?

Answer 1

Yes, but in a way that you don't cause her to give you a hard time or tell you to mind your business. If you see the children outside by themselves for even 30 seconds (worse things can happen in less than 5 seconds) go outside, with your cell phone and ask them where their parents are. If they say, inside or that they don't know, tell them that they shouldn't be outside because it can be dangerous and that if they can go in and let the adults know that you want to talk to one of them. If an adult does show up, let them know that you saw their kids outside alone and that you're concerned because of the street, falls, strays, predators, etc... If the parent makes it a point to stop allowing them to run around unsupervised, then you did your job as a watchful neighbor. If the incidents continue, however, know that you did bring this up to her and that the situation is now JUST about the children and their safety. Call 911 or your Sherriff's office and tell them about the ongoing behavior and that you have brought it up to your neighbor before without results. Tell them that it is not in the children's best interest to be left unsupervised outdoors. They will always appreciate that you tried to talk it out with the neighbor before calling them. If the kids are still outdoors, make sure to keep an eye on them or go outside while the patrol shows up, or do whatever they tell you over the phone... ask them what you should do while they get there... If your neighbor gets pissed, they have no right to overreact, as you did try to talk it out with them. Kudos to you for worrying about the safety of those poor kids. If it happened for so long, try to write down or keep track of when and for how long the kids are outside alone. It can help the police and Child Services, should they be contacted, to make a case against the parent's negligence. Good Luck and Best Wishes!!!

Answer 2

Are these two little ones in a fenced yard? Is it in a child friendly yard? If so, she may be looking out the window often enough to know what is going on. Have you ever seen these kids crying to be let in, or hurt and not attended to?
It is OK to leave them outside to play in a safe environment. If you are still concerned, call protective services, and they will make the call.
On the other hand, if they are roaming the neighborhood alone, take them into your home, and then call the authorities.

Answer 3

If you confront the neighbor, she may become angry and retaliate. To help the children best, you may need to report the neglect.

How do I report child abuse or neglect?

If you suspect a child is being harmed, contact your State Child Abuse Hotline, local child protective services (CPS), or law enforcement agency so professionals can assess the situation. For more information about where and how to file a report, call Childhelp USA®, National Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-4-A-CHILD®).

When calling to report child abuse, you will be asked for specific information, which may include:

The child's name and location
The suspected perpetrator's name and relationship to the child (if known)
A description of what you have seen or heard regarding the abuse or neglect
The names of any other people having knowledge of the abuse
Your name and phone number
The names of reporters are not given out to families reported for child abuse or neglect; however, sometimes by the nature of the information reported, your identity may become evident to the family. You may request to make your report anonymously, but your report may be considered more credible and can be more helpful to CPS if you give your name.

What will happen when I make a report?

Your report of possible child maltreatment will first be screened by hotline staff or a CPS worker. If the worker feels there is enough credible information to indicate that maltreatment may have occurred or is at risk of occurring, your report will be referred to staff who will conduct an investigation. Investigators respond within a particular time period (anywhere from a few hours to a few days), depending on the potential severity of the situation. They may speak with the child, the parents, and other people in contact with the child (such as doctors, teachers, or childcare providers). Their purpose is to determine if abuse or neglect has occurred and if it may happen again.

If the investigator finds that no abuse or neglect occurred, or what happened does not meet the State's definition of abuse or neglect, the case will be closed and the family may or may not be referred elsewhere for services. If the investigator feels the children are at risk of harm, the family may be referred to services to reduce the risk of future maltreatment. These may include mental health care, medical care, parenting skills classes, employment assistance, and concrete support such as financial or housing assistance. In rare cases where the child's safety cannot be ensured, the child may be removed from the home.

Answer 4

I would only confront her if you think she will listen to you without it starting a war. Otherwise I would call Child protective services and let them know what you have seen. Let them handle it. You still have to live next to this person and a war with a neighbor is hard to live with every day. But please do call your local child protective services. those poor kids are in danger. The world is not like it used to be. there are freaks everywhere. heck. if you are not sure. look up Megans Law in your city. Or even better. Let her see the results. Perhaps it will change her mind. Good luck. Your a good person for caring. You may be saving their lives.

Answer 5

You havent given enough information.
Why are you scared for her kids?Are the kids in a fenced in yard? Are you sure she isnt watching them? Is she letting them outside and then leaving for the day with food, water, shelter, etc, etc.?
Kids need to play outside more, too many watch way too much TV.

Answer 6

Call child protective services and the police better to be considered a nosy neighbor than to have something bad happen to those children. Unfortunately this woman did not have to pass a test to be a good parent but you obviously care, good for you and good luck.

Answer 7

it's better you approach your neighbour but make your observation as educative as possible. Let her know the danger involved in her action. Don't talk like you are confronting her as it were. Let her see the positive side of your point of view.

Answer 8

I would be calling human services. these children are in danger from all types of things. They have no road sense or stranger danger. She is irresponsible and needs to be reported. They won't tell her who reported so don't let that hold you back. If the mum can't be responsible than take it upon yourself before something happens

Answer 9

you should contact child services, unless they are in a fenced yard where they cannot get out. Its not necessary to be with thechildren all the time, just be watching. If they are never left alone, they won't learn to be independent.

Answer 10

Hell, yes!! If she gets angry or blows you off, call CPS. These kids's life could and probably are in danger. How are you going to feel if they get hit by a car or picked up by some pervert? Forget about offending her or hurting her feelings. She NEEDS to be offended!!! What is she thinking????