Should I report my neighbors to authorities?

Question

If you can please read my previous question and then answer this that would be wonderful:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/?qid=20060809110646AAY4fAW

You see, everyone says I should report them but I don't know if they would take me seriously. I mean, it's not like those things happen everyday, or every week even. It's just that since they moved in (approx. 5 months ago or so) I've seen those things happen. Of course, they might happen more often then I see given I don't sit at my window all day and watch them. But they do happen every once in awhile. I have no evidence these things are happening except for seeing them with my own eyes and collecting proof might take awhile and by that time who knows what would happen to the poor child. It's not like they're beating her or not feeding her or anything, they are just reckless and kind of have that "Britney Spears driving with the kid on her lap" kind of thinking sometimes. What should I do? Thanks so much to all who answer.

Answer 1

Sounds like a good idea to me. What could it hurt? Absolutely nothing so why not go for it?

Answer 2

Clear your conscious and report the parents. Child Protective Services may already have a file on these people and CPS is bound by law to take reports seriously. Maybe the parents just need assistance in improving their parenting skills. Maybe the girl has special needs that go beyond the parent's capabilities and social services can step in to help them...or maybe the girl needs to be taken away. You will feel much worse if something happens to the little girl. You will always wonder had you stepped in, could this event have been avoided? You will remain anonymous so step up and be an advocate for this little girl!

Answer 3

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. At least if someone comes knocking on their door about them neglecting their child maybe that will be enough to straighten them up, but, if no one does anything it could be disasterous. If something happened to the child and you never reported anything how would you feel then? 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 4

Yes yes yes !
CAll the cops and they should have a good stern talking with the parents and warn them that if they dont take better care of their child she could very possibly be taken away from them..and if they have an ounce of love for their child they will straighten their act up. So yeah call the cops. Good luck !

EDIT

for the people that say police wont do anything they arnt necisarily right, i had something similar happen to a little gilr down the street. She was also four years old. the cops did come. && help out. SO pleasee PLEASE undetsnad they will do something.

Answer 5

Ok, I've read all of you questions and I have a suggestion: maybe you should talk to them and tell them your concerns...also, since the girls is running up and down other people's lawns, maybe you should tell them it is annoying and that you would like them to stop allowing her to do so. There is no apparent evidence of anything illegal going on so there's not much the authorties could do, but perhaps Child Protective Services could be of some help in that they could counsel the parents (and the child) on proper parenting and behavorial practices. Give your local CPS office an anonymous call (don't provide the other parents' names, either) and simply ask for some advice. They may tell you to report them officially (meaning you would have to give information, but you don't have to give yours) and make a report. All you have to do to report possible neglect or abuse is see it for yourself.

Answer 6

I think that you should report them. Even if you have no proof there would be a complaint on file and if anything ever happened to her then the parents would definitely be held accountable. I am from Oklahoma and Kelsy lynn Briggs was a big national story. unfortunate though it was I think it was a learning experience for CPS and Child Welfare. Incidents like that are not likely to occur again very soon if at all.

Answer 7

You can call and report them to childrens services in your area. But unless their house is nasty, and the child is neglected I dought that they will do anything. But I do suggest that you keep it to yourself that you made the call. I mean not telling other neighbors, some people just do not get the fact that children should be protected and view it as being nosey and selfrighteous.
Some parents are not exactly parent material!
But if you make the call atleast you will have done something to look after the little girl.

Answer 8

and you don't know if you'll be saving some child's life until YOU TRY. so try. what's the worst that could happen? You call, you may make an appointment with someone, you answer some questions the best THAT YOU KNOW HOW, and the rest is up to the authorities... you CANNOT THINK for the people you'll be talking to, you haven't met them!
so, go, do it. you'll feel better for it. your conscience won't be eating you alive like it is right now....
think about it, that kid is someone's nice, sister, grandchild.... and if those responsible for her aren't... how will the other family members know the kid needs help?

Answer 9

For one, when it comes to children, you don't need evidence. And yes, youshuld report them. I was reported by the hospital when my child's carseat fell off of a table at TacoBell (all parents know there is no where else to put it at tacobell). What can it hurt. It may be a reality check for the parents and if they don't change, then you should keep calling. The best for that little girl is what is most important. Good luck.

Answer 10

Please do call DCF (or whatever agency handles child abuse in your area)! This is a child you are talking about, and she can't really ask for help herself.

The worst thing that will happen is that you may look a little foolish and possibly have your neighbors dislike you (but based on what you've already said about them -- who cares??). The best thing that could happen is you could save this child's life. If this is what you are seeing outside, who knows what is going on inside the house.

Good luck and God bless you for taking such an interest in this child's well being!

Answer 11

Although I live in a different Country (and even here policy differs from Province to Province), I think that people have a few chances if they are "walking the fence" of parenting. They may not even check it out, but just put it on file and go out if it gets reported again. Here we have to check things out by the third complaint (obviously it gets checked out sooner if the problems are extreme). We are trying to keep children in their home if possible. You may as well report them. Maybe it would be a wake up call for them.