Is this child abuse??

Question

I'm not the one doing, one of my neighbors are. So she'll leave her 3 yearolds at home for atleast 10-15 minutes ALONE! Here's why. so she has a nother kid that she has to pick up from school, so she goes and gets her and leaves her 3 year olds home to nap. I don't know why she doesn't take her kids with her though. But i was wondering if i should report her.

well, i'm still in school so ican't watch her, the mother of the twins asked my mom to pick up her kid and my mom said no because it's too stressful, so in a way, it is my business.

she's not a busy woman, she's a stay at home mom.

Answer 1

I don't think it's abuse, but it certainly qualifies as neglect and child endangerment. Someone needs to say something to her.
Just recently in my area we had a 2 year old die in a house fire when she was left in the care of her 8 year old sister.

She needs to be more careful with her children.

Answer 2

It is not abusive but as someone else noted it constitutes child neglect and child endangerment. It takes a lot fewer than 10 or 15 minutes for a toddler to get in the kind of trouble that ends up with a 911 call, and there are never assurances that the child won't awaken when the mother is not home. Further, the child could be sound asleep and not getting into trouble at all, but if there is a fire, for example, or a break in...whatever....that child is in danger.

If there is any way you can say something to her directly -- if you have a good relationship with her -- then you can try that, of course. But otherwise, yes, I would report her. As for the suggestion that someone made that you mind your own business....I'm glad to see that you're concerned, the mentality of of minding ones own business to the point of ignoring things like abuse and neglect just perpetuates the problem. And under state law, you may be required to report it.

ETA As for the post providing definitions of abuse and neglect: this is a matter of state LAW; the definitions that apply are not those that you'll find in Merriam Websters, but rather, statutory definitions. What constitutes abuse, neglect, or child endangerment is a matter of state law and can vary from state to state. So, too, reporting requirements are a matter of state law: in some states you would be required to report any incidence of suspected abuse or neglect; in some states, only certain groups of people (such as teachers or doctors) are considered "mandated reporters" under the law while other people are not *legally* obligated to report suspected abuse or neglect. If you are concerned about your legal requirements, please check your state law -- you should be able to find out what the statute says online. In any event, the post saying that what you've described "clearly isn't" neglect is wrong.

Answer 3

This is not a case of abuse, it may be child endangerment (only because a lot can happen in 15 minutes). Someone suggested that she change the children's nap time which would probably mean completely changing their daily routine. If she asked your mom to pick the kid up, it's obvious that your mom isn't doing anything either. I don't understand how picking a child up from school can be too stressful, that's just a lame excuse used to give grounds for reporting this woman. Instead of being so quick to consider reporting her, try helping out instead [pick the kid up for her or watch the twins while she goes]. If she was doing harm to the children yes I would report it but in this case I wouldn't.

Answer 4

You said she asked your Mom to pick up her other child but your mom felt that was to stressful, Is it possible you Mom could sit with the sleeping childrens for 15 or 20 minutes??
You are in school. so you can't but if your mom can't how about another neighbor. Somethings does have to be done...
The child endagerment laws are laws for a reason, Two 3 yr olds should NOT be left unsupervised for 2 minutes let alone 10 or more minutes.....If your Mom can't and another neighbor can't, do you have a pastor or school counsellor that you can ask for further advice. This situation really does need immediate attention, every time she leaves the children alone she is endangering their lives and this can not go on......Try everything else first but if you get no where, have your Mom make the call......

Answer 5

It's not abuse, but it is neglect. A child of that age cannot be left alone even for a minute or two. It is dangerous. Anything could happen to her child.

I would consider reporting her, but before you do that, leave an anonymous note for her letting her know that she can't leave the child alone. She may think it's fine, but it's not! However, if she seems to be a good mom in other ways, I would certainly suggest leaving the note. If the note doesn't get her to change her behavior, maybe a visit from social services would.

If you are friendly with her, talk to her and maybe offer to watch the three year old as you seem to be home to witness this as it is.

Answer 6

I would like to say its child abuse but I am not sure. You can call your local child protection services or the non-emergancy 911 number to ask. I recently did a search on this type of thing and in most states there is actually not an age limit on how young kids can be left alone. I say call around to find out.

Answer 7

I would talk with her and suggest that she reschedule nap time, what she is doing is dangerous and she could be reported to the authorities. Tell her that you understand that she must under pressure with young children, but if something happens while she is gone, she could be arrested and her other child taken away. Why take the chance?

If you are uncomfortable about speaking to her, write her a letter, but make sure she knows what she is doing is wrong. Too many things can happen.

Answer 8

Time for a report. Fires can start in less than 10-15 minutes. If something were to happen you might not forgive yourself for not speaking up. The one who said "why don't you mind your own business" should be reported!

Answer 9

That's child neglect. Does she not realize that ANYTHING can happen in 10-15 minutes. Really sad thing, she's risking everything doing what she's doing. Case of very bad parenting there. She should be taking the children with her.

I'd never ever risk my kids' lives for 10 minutes. So many things can happen during that short period of time.

Answer 10

yes, kids can do A LOT of damage in 10-15 minutes alone. From wrecking things to setting the house on fire. No child under the age of 13, especially babies, should be left alone at all. Report!

Answer 11

i say its wrong and what kind of a mom does that but i dont think its illegal i know that in some states the law says that if a parent views their child responsible enough to be left home alone they can but i dont know about your state tell her to put them down for a nap earlier so they wake up in time to go get the other kid or cant the child in school ride a bus.