Social worker interviewed my kids at school?

Question

They are 8 and 7 and she asked them about me leaving them alone. I leave them alone when I go to school Wed. mornings I leave for school at 7:45 but they don't leave until 8am. So there is a 15 minute window there.

Anyway, they told the truth, and I haven't heard a word about it. None has contacted me. (Its been 2 days). wondering if I should expect a visit from them or what? Did they just decide not to bother?

Answer 1

I'm pretty sure you'll be hearing from them soon. They are probably interviewing your neighbors trying to get more info before they come to see you.

Answer 2

I have 5 children and the only one I will leave alone is my 14 year old son. And that is only for a short time...no more than 30 minutes. I didn't leave him alone until he turned 14 six months ago.

I also have a 12 year old, 2 ten year olds and an 8 year old. I never ever ever leave them alone. But that's just me. I have high anxiety issues and I am terrified of leaving them to their own devices.

Now, I can tell you that I have 3 stepchildren and they lived in Georgia with their Mom 3 years ago. We found out that they would get off the bus and spend as much as one hour alone before Mom would get back from work. We called to find out about this since my stepdaughter was 8-9 at the time and my stepson's were 6 and 4. They were locked out of the apartment and sometimes it would rain and they would have to hide under trees for shelter. Someone went out to talk to Mom and the final report was that leaving them alone for 30 minutes or so wasn't a very big deal in the state of Georgia. There was no legal age in the state that says when you can leave a child alone. We were apalled but our hands were tied. Fortunately they have lived with for the last 3 years.

What I am saying is that it really depends on your state laws. You will probably hear from them in the next 24 hours. If you don't I would call to ask them if you need to come in and speak with them. Knowing your kids were questioned and not calling to address the issue could show that you aren't very concerned about the whole thing.

Answer 3

Obviously someone called Child Protective Services (CPS) on you. You are being investigated by CPS and you will be contacted by the social worker. I don't know about your state, but in mine they have 30 days to rule on a case. You will recieve a letter from them stating the decision and other details. If I were you, I wouldn't wait for them to contact me.

And even though you didn't ask about it, I'm going to tell you, it is extremely negligent on your part to leave your 7 & 8 year old home alone, even for 15 minutes. A lot can happen in 15 minutes. 15 minutes can change your life forever! You can be late to school and should be, because your children come first. Don't ever put your children in adult situations. It's an accident guaranteed to happen. Do not justify 15 minutes because it's wrong, any way you slice it! You, the adult, make the necessary adjustments to your schedule so that you NEVER EVER put your children at risk!

Answer 4

I don't think you should worry about it. In cases where someone has called and reported neglect or abuse, the case HAS to be investigated which is probably all they were doing. Leaving them alone for 15-30 minutes is not a big deal. I would say get a cell phone if you don't already have one so they can get a hold of you at all times, but other than that, I'm sure your a fine mother-I can see that in your concern. They MAY come out and ask you a few questions, but your not doing any thing wrong, so just be honest with them. Good Luck~

Answer 5

I suspect you'll be getting a visit soon. They don't tend to "not bother" when children are concerned. As others said, they're probably interviewing neighbors and such before they come to you. Even 1 minute is too long to leave children of certain ages alone - that's why there are laws regarding how old children have to be to be left home alone. In Maryland, it's 13 and for only a certain period of time. My daughter's only 4-1/2, so I'm not up on it, but I know it's 13.

Answer 6

I would be pro-active and find someone to watch your kids during that 15 minute period. That would show SS that you take this seriously.

While I think SS has a lot of other things it should be doing, they have still decided to take on your case and you need to watch your back. While I don't think it's smart to leave children that young alone, ever, it's still not abuse.

So many times it's the loving, well-meaning parents that have to fight the system while the abusive ones get away with everything until it's too late.

Answer 7

I would be a little concerned. Children are not allowed to be interviewed without the permission of the parents unless there is sign of neglect on or off school property. If Social Services came to the school you need to talk to the school authorities to find out more information concerning the meeting. You have the right as a parent to request additional information such as; the nature and persons present during the interview with your children.

Be prepared for another visit. Request a responsible, trusted adult or a babysitter to monitor your children before and after school, even if it is just for 15 minutes. Keep in mind we are living in dangerous times.

Answer 8

Usually they have a 1 day window where if they are going to do domething (interview parents, etc.) they will.
I think you need to figure out who turned you in,and perhaps talk to a neighbor about watching them for those 15 minutes.
Even though It's not a very long time frame alot can happen, especially with kids..at 8 & 7 IMO they are still too young to be left alone.
I'm not saying you are a bad mother, or anything just that you should use this as a "wake up" and find someone to sit with them for the 15 minutes or push back your classes.

Answer 9

Leaving kids alone at that age is dangerous, look at what happened to this little boy and his mother turned her back on him for only a second and two other little boys grabbed him and killed him.

http://www.crimelibrary.com/notorious_murders/young/bulger/1.html

With that being said now that you know what could happen try finding a neighbor who you trust to watch your children or take them to the school early, you are right 15 min is not a long time but it is more than enough time for bad things to happen. The only thing that would make you a bad parent is not correction your mistakes. Good luck.

Answer 10

Talk to your school's counselor and the social worker. Perhaps they can work something out where a special teacher or the counselor (or anyone your daughter knows who is not biased) can sit in with them, so that she feels more comfortable. You might also be able to talk this to the social worker's supervisor and explain that these visits upset your youngest, particularly given her disability. Good luck.

Answer 11

While it is all very well intended, the fact remains that your children are too young to be left alone for any amount of time.
Think of what could happen in 15 min. For instance, someone knows they are left alone and called CPS, but someone else that could harm them may know that their alone on Wednesdays. Either make arrangements for a neighbor you know and trust to look out for them for 15 min. one day a week or arrange with your instructor at school to be 15 min. late for class.