I just moved into a place. My roommates girlfriend has a 3 year old severely mentally retarded daughter. She can't talk, walk, sit up, or make eye contact-she just lays there. Anyway, I would get up sometimes in the night (3am) and I noticed the closet light on. The child was in there, laying down. There is no heat in the closet and it is around 64 degrees in there. The child had on clothes and a very thin blanket and a pillow. (she could stretch out). The light was on. In the 3 weeks since I've lived here, I have encountered this about 5 times. The girlfriend is only over here 3-4 nights a week. What should I do and is this a form of child abuse?
2007-02-20 12:28:10 · 10 answers · asked by Niki 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Sounds like the mother is mentally retarded too. Call child protective services and let them know. Don't confront the mother or roommate about it, they will get defensive and attack you. At best they may stop abusing the child in your presence but will continue to do it when you are not around. The baby needs someone to look out for her, your the only chance she's got.
P.S. you will also need to start looking for a new place to live.
2007-02-20 12:37:47 · answer #1 · answered by Daz2020 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Why don't you ask the mom why she is doing it? Maybe the kid likes being in the closet. Maybe the kid is afraid of the dark and she can have the light on in the closet without waking the rest of the house. Talk to the mom before you call child protective services. If you don't get a satisfactory explanation then call.
2007-02-20 20:40:19 · answer #2 · answered by Lleh 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it's child abuse. Report her--or at the *very* least help her come up with a kinder solution than that. But it would probably be better for the child in the long run if you reported her.
It would also help if you got a couple of pictures with your camera phone, so that Child Protective Services have more evidence.
2007-02-20 20:32:00 · answer #3 · answered by Vaughn 6 · 4⤊ 2⤋
Of course this is child abuse! Would you want someone doing this to your child or to you even? You need to contact child social services immediately. If I knew this incompetent person, I'd report them without any second thoughts. And if you don't report this, you should feel just as guilty.
2007-02-20 20:37:43 · answer #4 · answered by drcuriousiity 1 · 2⤊ 1⤋
You should take an interest in the child and be loving, kind, and nurturing. Behavior is not criminal and judgment need some reservations. Does the child look in pain or distress? What does the mother say?
2007-02-20 21:10:08 · answer #5 · answered by Pablo 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Oh my gosh report it. That is ABUSE. I have a child that has aspbergers(sp) MAN what I wouldn't GIVE for a full nights rest but I have NEVER considered locking her away! Whats the matter with people!
2007-02-22 16:42:45 · answer #6 · answered by heather 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
This is a form of child abuse. If there was bed in there and it was heated, it wouldn't be.
Talk to her first, and if it continues call the police.
2007-02-20 20:32:33 · answer #7 · answered by The Big Box 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Yes, this is definitely considered child abuse, or child neglect. Either way you look at it, its wrong. You should report her to your local Department of Social Services (DSS) or to law enforcement.
2007-02-20 22:27:56 · answer #8 · answered by Çåŗőľîņẫ§ħŷġĭ®ł 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
yes it is ask her if she would like to be put in a closet.i think you should talk to her about it and if she doesn't stop doing it call the cops on her.plus you'd never know what she does to her at home!
2007-02-20 21:50:26 · answer #9 · answered by india 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I would tell someone about it. Someone who can truely help the situation.
2007-02-20 20:37:32 · answer #10 · answered by just me 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋