My neighbor is "disabled" (not really, supposedly it's a problem with her legs and "virtigo", but she plays on the kid's scooter, and plays a mean game of pick up basketball).
She has a 13 year old daughter that is "slow". She's not really disabled, but she rides the short bus to school, if you know what I mean.
They have been without electricity for over 5 weeks. They were "jacking" some from a neighbor, but they got caught and are currently living without.
Should I report her? The kid isn't a baby, but there is no end to this in sight.
Also, who do you report disability fraud to. It just "dawned" on me that it's illegal too.
What do you think?
Leave well enough alone?
2007-10-23 18:30:10 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Interesting. I would think that having electricity is a necessity to provide to a disabled child. I would probably contact the child welfare agency to report that they are living without electricity - at least they can check in on the child and ensure she is safe and secure. Electricity is needed to keep food from spoiling and to cook.
As for the disability - I would stay out of that. I do know some people are disabled even though it may appear they are not. You don't even know what her specific disability is. Sometimes, if someone is mentally disabled they will blame it on a physical disability because they are embarassed to tell others the truth.
Jay: I can appreciate your sarcasm and understand your point.
How about this point: 100 years ago young children in America were often hard at work in factories and in farms. In the modern era America has outlawed child labor. We progressed.
In addition, homes 100 years ago were equipped to handle cooking (i.e., wood burning stoves) whereas homes today are equipped with ovens and microwaves.
Unfortunately, you argument is misplaced as it does not address the differences between the past and today, it does not address that what society considers child abuse has changed over time, it does not address the differences in the basic construction and set up of homes between the past and today, etc...
A modern home without electricity is child abuse as a child cannot have food that is properly cooked or chilled. How is a child supposed to take a warm bath without an electric heater heating up the water?
Amish homes are equipped to handle all of these things - so Amish children can have home cooked meals and warm baths.
2007-10-23 18:40:38 · answer #1 · answered by Mysoupbowl 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you feel the child's welfare is in jeopardy you should report it and let the professionals decide if your neighbor is capable of taking care of a child. If you feel that the child would end up worse off (in a foster home) then leave well enough alone - not every child is lucky enough to be brought up in a well structured home. You should also ask yourself if you think the child is happy.
I'd leave well enough alone with the disability fraud because you wouldn't be helping with the child's well being - which is the most important.
Anything you report - keep it anonymous.
2007-10-23 18:42:17 · answer #2 · answered by Goldfish 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you should try to get them some help.
If I wanted to help I would call those who are trained to evaluate the situation. Having a minor child & no electricity would fall under The Department of Children & Family Services.
Obviously stealing electricity is not only illegal but quite UNSAFE!
If the mother is on disability I think that would be handled by the Social Security Administration, unless she is on work disability (workers compensation insurance). If it is for workers comp. I am not certain who you should call. I hope your state government will assist you in finding out who to contact for all of this.
Please look at the situation this way... you may be the only person who can get the proper help for this minor child. I encourage you invest your time in the life of this child. She is not an adult or able to do better than her mother is CHOOSING to do!
2007-10-23 18:47:00 · answer #3 · answered by Secret Agent 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How did we ever get by in this country 140 years ago when nobody had electricity and there was not DHS or Child Protective Services or whatever government agency to report it to.
Even 50 or 60 years ago, many, many people, especially those out in rural areas, did not have electricity. How did the kids that lived in those areas ever get by??? OH THE HUMANITY!!!
Even today the Amish don't have electricity. Maybe we should all report the Amish to the all knowing, all seeing, all powerful government, so the government agents will come in and take the kids away from the Amish. As we all know they are just terrible parents.
2007-10-23 18:51:47 · answer #4 · answered by . 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Look for something like Division of Family Services to report your concern for the daughter-I think it's a valid issue. They should be able to direct you to the appropriate agency to contact concerning the possible fraud-it may be that the lady has good days and bad days but enough bad days that she can't reliably hold a job.
As far as the ethical consideration of meddling, that is for you alone to decide for yourself.
2007-10-23 18:42:30 · answer #5 · answered by barbara 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you can report her to Child Protective Services. They will take a report and investigate. Your name will be kept out of it. Since you do not know if she is committing welfare fraud, leave it to CPS.
2007-10-23 18:38:00 · answer #6 · answered by Songbyrd JPA ✡ 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't necessarily think it is a matter of reporting them but perhaps maybe long term educating them and helping them.
2015-04-06 09:51:20 · answer #7 · answered by Lisa 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes!!! Report her, she's breakin' the law, for crying out loud. She gets welfare for faking? Not fair, not fun--maybe I should get my parents to pretend to be disabled, so we can get free money too! (No, not really, I am a faithful law-abider.)
2007-10-24 10:32:58 · answer #8 · answered by the fire within 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Contact your local C.P.S. to get advice on this matter. Laws can vary from state to state.
2007-10-23 18:47:42 · answer #9 · answered by :-) 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you are genuinely concerned for the child's welfare i would report it.
2007-10-23 18:39:38 · answer #10 · answered by haleys comet 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋