Ok so I called to report a neighbor for (1). mom being drunk all the time (2) letting her 13 yo drink with her (3) no food in house (4.) childern are left alone at all hours of the night...just to name a few reasons. Now I would never do this unless I knew for a fact there was a problem, well the case worker came to my house and asked me questions about the family..( beacuse I was watching the younger kids afterschool).I anwsered honestly. when I was talking to her the neighbors moms boyfriend came home and knew something was up...well he told the kids not to say anything (the kids told me) and they lied to the case worker. well now I hae the case worker questioning me! beacuse my story is SO diffrent then what the family said. even though I told the truth can I get in trouble?? I was only trying to help the kids.
2007-09-13 05:43:24 · 16 answers · asked by its just me....♥ 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Other - Pregnancy & Parenting
First of all I would like to say good for you for sticking up for those kids!!! There needs to be more people in this world to stand up for children (and anyone else) that are being abused (physically,emotionally,etc.). So often you here of tragedies happening to people because a neighbor or friend or family members were to scared to say anything.
I don't see how you can get in trouble, I'm sure they will keep looking into it and hopefully the truth will come out eventually.
Good Luck!
2007-09-13 05:56:06 · answer #1 · answered by ξανξπξ 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am sorry that this is happening to you just you were trying to protect the children. What you may have to do is if you when the kids are home alone, call the police. I would tell the case worker that you were telling the truth, but the bf is intimidating the children. But I could see how you would feel like 'well, why did I say something in the first place'. Maybe the fact the parents now know that someone is watching them, they will calm down on some of the things that they are subjecting their children to. Kudos to you for standing up and saying something.
2007-09-13 06:00:22 · answer #2 · answered by lawstudntbynite 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You did the right thing, the case worker is just doing her job and checking out all the possible options. Obviously you have sent up a red flag for the family and you know kids they can't keep things a secret for very long and they will eventually slip and say something.
Don't worry about the case worker she is just probably taking more information from you because more that likely she has a feeling something is going on and is just double checking her source. It maybe such a thing that you have the caseworker come out when the kids are at your place and let them talk to her, but I would explain to her ahead of time what was said to you by the kids. Just hang in there. You are doing the right thing and don't second guess yourself, it's better to say something than to not say anything at all.
2007-09-13 05:54:36 · answer #3 · answered by Ashley W 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You won't get in trouble from Children's Services, because they realize that families may try to hide the truth. It is their job to find evidence to support what you have reported. Hopefully the Case Worker is diligent enough to pursue to the complaint and not just close it as unsubstantiated. You did the right thing. Sometimes several reports have to be made before action is taken though.
2007-09-13 06:23:19 · answer #4 · answered by lucia 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My mother works in a child services related field. You won't get in trouble unless you call child services every day and are harassing them and they can't find anything on the family. If the case worker can't find anything from the family maybe she can talk to the school/teachers, etc., and maybe they could provide more information. Maybe other neighbors could call in (anonymously). I know you're trying to do what's best for the kids, good luck!
2007-09-13 05:51:21 · answer #5 · answered by Precious 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately it happens - what you need to do is start documenting when these things happen and get other neighbors or the local police to verify. Btw, the 13 year old is legally able to stay alone with younger children so you might not want to document that, but the other things for sure. Take pictures if the kids will let you in.
2007-09-13 05:52:17 · answer #6 · answered by Lex 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Sorry to say but this is why I am totally against Child Protective Services! I doubt you'll get in trouble but they probably wont do anything to the other parents either and thats the bad part. Plus, now your neighbors know what you tried to do and i'm sure there are going to be alot of problems between you guys from now on. From most cases I know of...the innocent are punished and the guilty go free. There are some real dumb azz people that work for CPS!
2007-09-13 06:01:14 · answer #7 · answered by blondie 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
you cannot get into trouble for telling the truth!!!in the state of missouri you child can be home alone with no adult supervision and watch other younger siblings at the age of 8!!!!!my advise to you is next time the 13 yr old is drunk with her mom to call the police!!!that alone is a crime .i had a 21 yr old neighbor whored around all hours of the night and they didnt do anything... wouldnt even take a report!!! tells you about our system to protect our children!!!!i have had reports made on me was alittle offended but glad because you never can be too protective of your children nowadays!!! kids being raped and kidnapped at alarming rates !!!!
2007-09-13 05:57:59 · answer #8 · answered by blueyestwistd 1 · 3⤊ 0⤋
No. I'm sure CPS is used to having people lie to them about what's going on in their home if they've been reported. How many people would say, "yeah, I'm drunk all the time, my kids don't have enough food, I leave them alone too often, etc..." They are probably just trying to do a thorough investigation. I wouldn't worry.
2007-09-13 05:52:48 · answer #9 · answered by Becky 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Its not like DCFS will really do anything anyways 99 % of the time..... I have seen it too often. You wont get in trouble, however if you report her again they can press charges back on you for FALSE reporting........
I have seen mothers BEAT their child, leave them home alone ( which was proven because she was video taped) , ect.... DCFS did nothing...... and the child was beat to death by the mother a few months later.
Just so you know.... i know they say they dont tell who reported it, but I have seen caseworkers tell............... I know because im mandated by the state to report because im a nurse....
and when they dont do anything....... the parents are mad because they got reported, and the parents take it out on the children, such a vicious cycle.
2007-09-13 05:54:59 · answer #10 · answered by tammer 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋