Child Neglect

I appreciate your comment. I have left a lot out only because I worry the parents would see this however right now I don't care. There is a whole story on how the youngest's needs are not met. I'm not the only one who has been worried as I received a call from her teachers from school asking me questions about their life at home. Since I'm the closest to them, I'm the one with the answer so I feel it is my duty to do something about this situation. You're right, I don't agree with their parenting skills but I'm fully aware that we are all different! My own skills, I'm sure are not approved by many. That is not my drive for concern.

I am planning to call in the morning. Thank you!

In no means do I want the final results to have these children taken away. I would like to see someone come in and say Listen! You can't do this! You have to make sure this and this and this is done. You have to bring your children to their therapy, you have to bring them to get better, you have to feed them better, you have to... and this is how we're going to help you. That is what I'd like to see! I am concerned that if they are taken away it would dramatize the middle child to a point of no return although the other two would possibly be much happier. I am concerned that if they find out I took actions, I will lose contact forever. I love those guys so much, I couldn't bear it unless I cut the ties myself! You have not offended me at all. When I call in the morning, I will be asking a thousand questions before I launch a formal complaint.

I work at a child advocacy center and let me tell you, it is so hard to get help where help is sometimes needed. By this I mean, if they are not doing anything to outrightly harm the children in any way, shape, or form, then child services won't be able to do anything. Child services can only intervene when the child is at immediate risk. The risk is set in each state. It is based on each state's standards. So just because you call it, doesn't mean it will get done. They will go out and take a looksy, but even if the worker thinks they need help, sometimes the judge rules otherwise. So don't be disappointed if calling child services doesn't get you the help you need. You can keep calling them over new incidents and possibly after so many they will take it more seriously. Hope this doesn't offend you, but I know what it is like to know a family needs help or even needs their child taken away, but it can't always be done. It is disappointing that the people who really need the help don't always get it. Possibly you can get some parenting help for these parents. Do you have a local DHS that might have some suggestions?

I completely agree with your comment that lack of knowledge is more likely, especially in this case. However when it is brought to their attention, they try to do something and then they don't follow through and get right back into their old routine. I don't understand what you are saying about my own children. My children are involved in their lives and I want them to mingle. The other children see a healthy family unit and the oldest has begged me numerous times to 'adopt' her. The youngest has made a difference in our lives and the middle guy has a very special place in our hearts! To let go of these children would be heart breaking to all of us. I did tell my husband last night that I'm seriously thinking of breaking my ties because it is emotionally draining me.

The reason I am so close to this family is because I have been helping. I take care of those children on a regular basis for the past year. I never claimed I was going to call to report on physical abuse. Only neglect. My greatest fear is that the youngest is going to be seriously hurt one day because of the lack of supervision. And after eating hotdogs for 10 years, I'm sure that little body is beyond starving for any other nurishment. I left earlier for a drive that took 1.5 hours. I had this time to really ponder on this subject. Through my tears and frustration, I have decided to do a little bit of research before making a formal complaint. There are a few things I need to confirm. I will be calling them in the morning for some information. Then I have a doctor's appointment so I'll be asking him other questions. There are a few people I need to call and then I will make a final decision.

well if there are serious issues going on and the parents are aware of it. then someone or somthing needs to be dealth with. the diet they are on could esily make them sick after so much. not eating right often leads to a eating disorder. obesity and other things. a 13 yeard old yes can stay at home and can even baby sit~ but only 1 child and for so many hours..why is it that hwen someone says this is going on ,they only think about the imidate effect it could have on the child.. becassue things that happen today to a child may veary well effect them 10 years down the road...and what u dont think the internet is a veary potential danger to a 13 year old alone by herself? okay theres no phsyical abuse that she can post on here..so dont call and report physical abuse. but clearly theres dangers in the home.and like she said the parents relize what there doing they try but always fall back again..help is needed in my opinnion..and just becasue children services are called doesnt mean they ganna take the kids away.. they veary well just offer help to the parents...How would you feel if all this was happening and one day the parents leave the 13 year old home with 10 and 7 year old..the 13 year old is on the net not paying any attention,and one of the kids get seriously hurt... the parents come home they change for about 2 weeks keeping cloe eyes on the kids paying a baby sitter. cleaning and feeding their children right.. they fall back and leave the 13 year old alone with the kids again he she isnt paying attention again this time hte child gets hurt but far worse then before.. life threatning or even life taking.. how would you feel knowing theres a good chance they would fall back like that and u could have prevented it from happening...yall can live with it. i couldnt..my friends children come before my friends they all know that...if i suspected and only withy evidence i would call.....

I don't think it is a case for a supernanny, more like a smack upside the head and say HELLO LOOK AT WHAT YOU'RE DOING TO THOSE POOR KIDS! I'm not afraid of their safety, even though they are left alone everyday (oldest is 13), although I don't agree it is right. you are right tho, they need an advocate and I'm the closest person they can count on! I suppose I'm just really scared of the outcome!

that is understandable,but you want to help the kids right? then the only thing you can do is talk to them,maybe they will open their eyes maybe not,but at least when you go to sleep at night you will know you did what was right,please keep me updated and the best of luck.

You say they are left alone everyday. 13 is old enough to be alone for a time. how long are they left alone and how old are the other children?

Discipline issues was only a minor peek into the window of this family. I have myself been a positive part of their lives for over 2 years and I can no longer stand to watch what they are doing. I cannot divulge much more information until I check on some resources. I found something out on Friday that spun me into rage however I need to verify with a doctor before I confirm they are wrong. I cannot fanthom this new knowledge to be true. I will keep everyone updated. Thank you!