Should I report my neighbors to authorities?

Question

I asked a question yesterday about my neighbors and their 4 yr old daughter. She runs outside up and down people's yards without her parents even watching her. Even when they are watching her they might as well be blind! She runs out in the middle of the street without looking for cars while her parents are just kicked back on the front porch. She runs barefoot throught the lot across the street where they are building a new house and there's nails and glass and debris all over. And the worst thing I saw was when it was lightning like crazy one afternoon with bolts of lightning everywhere and she was outside standing on top of their suv! Even though there wasn't any lightning striking near her, it very well could have if it wanted. If you can hear thunder then lightning is always close enough to strike and she was just asking for it on top of their suv. The people who answered yesterday said I should report her parents..what do you think? I don't really have any evidence though?

Answer 1

You can report them anonymously. If you feel that strongly that this child is in danger, the Child Protective Services people should investigate and decided if there is enough evidence to do something about it.

Answer 2

Have you tried talking to the parents??? Before calling Child provective services, try getting to know your neighbor first. Talk with your other neighbors about it as well. If you don't know the parents of the little girl, I'm sure somebody does.

BUUTTT...if you are still concerned and they are truely unfit parents, get the "evidence". Video tape the child OUTSIDE and the parents reactions. Don't go sneeking into their house or anything that might get you in trouble, but it the child is out in the neighborhood, there is nothing wrong with getting video proof. You might also want to just call to find out if they family is even doing anything LEGALLY wrong. Child Prodective Services might not be able to do anything just because of her standing on a SUV and running around the neighborhood.

Good Luck!!

Answer 3

I would take a deep breath and walk calmly over to the neighbour and speak to them asking them if everything is alright and why the child is unsupervised..

Reason to do it calmly is so that the neighbour won't suddenly accuse you of anything .. since they obviously sound very unstable .. it's even possible that they may be mentally handicapped as well..you would be surprised how many parents out there have kids but don't have any idea of how or why..

If they still give you the 'duh' look then at least you have done your part and make a record of EVERYTHING .. whether it may be to take a picture or record on a camcorder anything! then call cps and have them come over to do something about it .. i'm sure other neighbours would have noticed this and are doing the same

There are already too many parents trying to end their children's lives just because they feel they shouldn't be bothered .. those people make me sick to the core ..

good luck!

Answer 4

It makes you wonder why they are even parents in the first place. I say you call the police and see what their suggestion is, or call child protective services. You don't have to have evidence because they can send someone out to watch and they can gather it themselves. No four year old should be outside at all in my opinion without being watched, granted I'm sure she knows what's wrong or right but little kids love to push the limits. You should definately report it.

Answer 5

This is a tuffy! C.P.S works very funny. The first thing that they are going to ask you Is: If there was any supervision when she was out side. And of course you are going to answer yes . The parents were out side seating in the porch etc. I know that it bothers the heck out of you. I know it would me. C.P. S works weird! You see all these things that are happening with children and social services just turn there heads. I Wouldn't say anything nor do anything. REMEMBER: You are neighbors and you do want to live comfortable in your home. Some people can really be ugly !!!!!!

Answer 6

Yes I would report them to Child Services. Start collecting evidence now. If you are on speaking terms with other neighbors ask them if they've noticed the behavior or neglect and document their stories as well. Please don't hesitate. My good friend in Florida had a neighbor who let her kids run wild and unkempt and she called the authorities on them and they gave her a slap on the wrist (this was a very small town btw) and just a couple months later the couple's 4 yr. old drowned in the pool at a house for sale across the street. My friend was devastated and we both cried about it. Please stay diligent on this.

Answer 7

Yes you nned to report their actions. There might be more to this little girls life than what you realize. And you would never be about to forgive yourself if something was to happen to her. So step up and call the correct people. The call can be anyomous. They will never know it was you unless you tell them. But please help the child. Children don;t get asked to be born they are brought into this world, and if they cant rely on their parents or the community to watch out for them then what kind of life is that child having. Please do the right thing. I am wanting a child so bad, and get so upset to see people that have kids, and dont care for them. You can make a difference in that little girl by calling the correct people, please dont delay.

Answer 8

Honestly, you should talk to the parents before you report them. You don't know, but she could be taken away and put in a worse situation...foster care can be bad. Approach them with concern, and start with one issue, say something like, "Hi. I'm not sure if you know this, but there are nails over there where your daughter is running around and I'd hate for her to get hurt." See how they respond. I think we judge too quickly and calling the authorities isn't always the answer.

Answer 9

Will you call the department of child and welfare and if you like take pictures the next time she is on top of the rv and be a consern parent call the cops when the little girl is in that empty construction lot . is all you can do and if you are a parent that is what you must do

Answer 10

Do you have a camera phone? Do you have a good camera with a zoom? Use these things to photograph some of the dangerous things the child does and send them to Child and Youth Services.