Possible Child Negligence?

Question

Ok I have been here a few times explaining my situation with a lady and her 3 year old son who's aggressive and has done some very dangerous things such as knife throwing and hanging off a 2nd story balcony. So many of you have told me to call CPS, but I am still unsure because the child hasn't been in the complex for a week, but the mom has with many different guys. My husband thinks it may be too early to call CPS and to just stick with calling the MPs when things occur, but I just can't shake a feeling that something's not right. I want to be sure that there is nothing going on. I am afraid for this child. He is overly aggressive, constanly disturbing, and his speech and emotional development are stunted. His mom openly says he's a demon child and has admitted to sleeping meds that make her too tired to care for him. I don't know, I don't want to call w/out valid reason, but I would feel horrible if something happened. Would it be over the top to submit my concerns?

Answer 1

Ma'am, I have been a teacher in a school with children who are abused emotionally, sexually, and physically. I have had to call CPS a lot of times and I do understand what you are saying but, it's not your decision as to whether it is valid or not. Once you tell CPS, they will decide. IF they think it isn't a valid complaint, they won't investigate. You need to call. You need to advocate for the child and help him. CPS doesn't want to take chidlren away from parents. They want to get the parents the resources so that they can become better parents and keep the family together without the child being hurt. Be a hero in that child's life and call CPS.

Answer 2

Call CPS........don't be apprehensive. This is a young child. You could be saving him from an unnecessary situation. You can ask for a patrol/safety check. I am concerned you haven't seen the child in a week. Possibly he is visiting family members. Also, the child could also be an undiagnosed ADHD child or have some type of Pervasive development disorder. Also, take into account the mothers emotional stability. It is a valid reason to call if you have uneasy feelings. The child's safety is always the most important, and I can tell you feel the same way too. The worst is you may be saving or securing this child's future. Is that so bad? No.....!! If the mother is sleeping too much, than someone else needs to care for him. He deserves that much.

Answer 3

You've listed about 10 valid reason for calling the authorities. If you haven't seen the child for a week, maybe he has been harmed or worse. Call the CPS and the MP's now. Tell them exactly what you've written here. You're not sure if there is a problem but you are worried. If they don't do anything call 1-800-4-a-child. You may feel bad turning in this mom, but how will you feel if you don't turn her in and something even worse happens to the kid?

Answer 4

If I were in your situation, I would definitely call CPS. If something is telling you something isn't right, you should pay attention to it. It is so much better to be safe than sorry. If something did or was happening to the child and you didn't report it, how would you feel if the child was badly hurt or even killed?Knowing that you felt something was wrong and maybe could have prevented it? You can always report it anonymously if you feel bad about it. Document your concerns and call. What could you lose? NOTHING. What could the child lose if you don't call? HIS LIFE. There was a recent case similar to that in Cincinnati recently. It involved a 3 year old boy and his foster parents. People in the neighborhood sensed that something wasn't quite right, but nobody reported it. The boy ultimately was left in a closet, bound by tape for a few days. He died and the foster parents took his body and burned it. Look it up. His name was Marcus Feisel. Sad situation, but could have been prevented. Follow your intuition.

Answer 5

You mention MPs so I know you're military as am I.
If you feel in your heart there is a problem and the child may be in danger, either from himself or from neglect, then call. Make an anonymous call if you want to.
If you see the child or another child in actual danger again, such as hanging off the balcony or throwing knives, call the MPs immediately. Then it becomes their responsibility to call child protective services.
From your description, you already have a valid reason to call. It is not over the top to submit your concerns.

Answer 6

You saw this child hanging off of a 2nd story balcony and did not do anything? What are you thinking, and why are you waiting? Poor little guy, what will it take to get you to call the authorities? Maybe he will throw a knife at his mother while she is knocked out with sleeping meds. You say you haven`t seen him in over a week? Call the police and tell them that this woman doesn`t watch her little boy, you haven`t seen him in over a week, and request they go check on him. What is it going to take to get you to call CPS or the police? His death? Hopefully he will be removed and given to someone who will love him, and give him a good home.

Answer 7

How would you feel to hear that the child has died due to neglect?This woman needs to be investigated immediately.What did the MP's do when you reported the situation? If this situation persists you must call CPS. The welfare safety of the child takes priority over the mother's feelings.A 3 year old child needs to have his rights protected by others for he is incapable of voicing his fears.

Answer 8

For a start, the child DESPARATELY NEED ATTENTION... attention which he requires from both mum and dad ... but as things look, I think he has less chance of getting that because even the mother seems to neglect the poor fellow...I am so thankful to people like you who have the heart to go to some extend in looking for cures... I have children and I know they very much seek my attention in weird ways at times. Because thier minds are not matured , they do not see the consequences that would occur as from thier behaviour... The best thing is to be patient and have TRUE LOVE to this fellow...Show a smiling face and wathch out you don't raise your voice... hug him a lot for this he seems to miss... but best of all , PRAY that God would intervene for the better..for He LOVES and CARES when all such are not there... May God Bless you

Answer 9

I know of a mother that had that same situation and the best thing you could do is interfer and make the call, the child might get taken away but either way at least if you call then the child will get help and the medication he needs properly and you can live with clear head, the mother might be hostile but in time she will realize that it is best for her child.

Answer 10

no i would call that is what they get paid to do is to check out each and every situation. So if i were you i would call child protective services this child needs help. He needs to see a shrink or needs to have an adult that he can talk to. I know he is young but with his behavior he is wanting a attention or he seems to be reacting what he sees in the home. I am not a shrink or anything but I do know this child does need a different enviroment and needs help. The mom is doing a poor job for whatever reason this poor child needs help so please do call.