Is this considered child neglect/abuse...?

Question

If the asker of this question does not warn the parent that this is wrong to do to their child or either tell someone else or call child protection services?

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AiOtWJDa92pxuC6e_vS1L8Xsy6IX?qid=20070206125854AAUSO8N

Answer 1

Aside from legal implecations I would be worried about how I would be able to sleep at night with the knowledge that something may be going on and I didn't do all I could to prevent it.

Answer 2

I think it definately would fall under "endangerment of a child", which is a criminal offense.

Alcohol doesn't affect children proportionally the same way it does adults (meaning if a five-year-old one-third your size drinks one-third of a beer, he'll probably be okay). It affects them and their growing minds and bodies much more strongly, and they are more succeptible to alcohol poisoning.

Not to mention, just giving a 5 year old a taste of a beer or mixed drink is just opening them up for LIKING it, and since children don't have as much of an inner know-when-to-stop proccess, the child could either get into alcohol if the parent turns their head, or just drink more as they get older.

Yeah, I would tell the parent it isn't okay. If the OTHER parent doesn't know about it, I would tell them (my uncle used to let my cousin have the last drops of his beer when he drank; that little game came to a screeching halt when my dad told my aunt). If the parents don't stop, I wouldn't hesitate to call CPS.

Answer 3

That is just sick!! Can you believe what that "best" answer was too???!!!! It was as if it's a common practice!!
I think they should be reported ~ I just don't know how to do it other than just tell Yahoo! about it. It's VERY sick to give a child alcohol!! They've even taken it out of cough syrup because it's not safe!!
I see some of the most disgusting things on here!!! I wish there were more we could do to stop this kind of behavior.

Answer 4

It could be child abuse, but then again it really depends on how much was given and why it was given. Based on the attitude "Why not, he's under my supervision" it sounds like this guy was doing a huge "no-no". But, ask anyone over the age of 50 how to get a sick baby/child to go to sleep so they can rest and they will tell you to put a TINY bit of liquor (not beer) in their bottle or sippie cup. But this is because the main ingredient in most children's night medicine is alcohol. But that is the only time alcohol should be given to a child...and we're only talking a thimble full.

Answer 5

Legally they don't have to do anything.....It is funny to me how things have changed over the years.....I will almost bet that many of your parents had rum or wiskey rubbed on their gums when the were teething. IF a partent did that today you would have the throne in jail.....Now for the record, I don't think that parents should be giving their kids drinks of beer....granted one swollow is not going to hurt them, but giving the half a can, that might....I love the answer above mine.....and I agree with that completely.....especially the part about the medicine......

Answer 6

Yes. This is abuse. You need to get out of that environment so call the cops or tell a school teacher you trust.

Answer 7

I do not feel that this is appropriate.
But I was advised by my pediatrician one time to give my son a shot of whiskey. I was shocked. I did it though and it helped the cause. (actually took more than one shot) Medicianal purposes.
But the beer?????

Answer 8

If anyone knows of child abuse or neglect it needs to be reported. If someone is scared to file a report he/she can report anonymously.

Answer 9

It depends on what is going on. Ordinary citizens have no legal duty to report, as far a I know, but you may have a moral duty depending on what's happening.

Answer 10

if it were me child services would have been called that is so dangerous on a child, i cant believe parents would do that.