Better laws need to be in place for abandoned/neglected children
@lindaharding627 (1442)
United States
January 20, 2011 6:21am CST
I was eighteen years old when Jimmy came into my life. He was a friend of my younger brother's. My brother invited him over for a hot meal and my mom gave him some clean clothes and a bath because he was filthy. Mom questioned him and found out that his parents had divorced and his dad moved elsewhere. His mom was living in a trailer on a nearby property but was suffering from mental illness. She had stopped paying the bills for the house where Jimmy was living. As a result, there was no water in the house. Since Jimmy was only fourteen and going to school, he couldn't get a job. He was living off of scraps that he got from the school lunchroom. My parents contacted department of human services and were told that in the state of Ohio, it is legal for a male child his age to be left alone so they couldn't do anything about the situation. It was that day I gained another brother because he came to live with my parents. He spent the next ten years living at home with my mom and dad and is now serving in the army. He has since attempted to reunite with his parents but still considers us to be family.
1 person likes this
8 responses
@Graceekwenx (3160)
• Philippines
20 Jan 11
This is a very touching story linda. Usually, families would be cautious of the people who are invited in the house; especially if one is dressed in filthy clothes. It is like, "who is this stranger? better keep the jewelries in the hidden locker."
I am wondering though why it is legal for a male 14 year old child to be left alone? What age do US children typically leave their nest?
It is also amazing how someone who has lived in an unfortunate family in his younger years to be capable of showing support and concern to other people.
@jimmythangjam (96)
• India
20 Jan 11
Your story is truely inspiring in a way if poor jimmy had not met ur family god knows where he might have ended up. And im happy for Jimmy serving in the army but at the same time i feel sad with what happened in his life and his parents.
Im lucky i didnot have to face this. i pray that his parents gets united too.
Never lose hope Jim.Good luck!
(im jimmy too btw :) )
@lindaharding627 (1442)
• United States
20 Jan 11
I agree it is sad what he had to go through. He was living totally alone in a two story house with no electric or water while his mom lived in a trailer on the property and had nothing to do with him. This is where the system fails because a 14 year old should not be left to fend for themselves.
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
2 Feb 11
Your parents were wonderful people to allow Jimmy to become a part of your family. I really think that there are more children out there in situations like what you've described with Jimmy than most people know about. I also have to say that I agree with you about the fact that there needs to be better laws to protect children that are in situations like this. I was just talking to a friend of mine on the phone from when I was a teenager and she was sharing with me that her mother kicked her out of the house when she was a teenager and she ended up living with her grandparents and was court ordered to get her GED. She seems to be well adjusted now, but she is also now 28 years old.
@megamatt (14292)
• United States
20 Jan 11
It is a very touching story and it does have a bit of a happy ending. As for the few stories around there that do have happy endings, imagine those poor souls who do not get happy endings and just perish in the harsh reality. Most people would really just turn a blind eye to it. It is one of those harsh realities that I wish in my heart will change but it never will.
@hardworkinggurl (37063)
• United States
20 Jan 11
There are so many areas in life where the law and Government fails its citizen. A story like yours saddens me with regards to the thought as to how many are not blessed like your brother Jimmy.
Many who perhaps never get the opportunity, let alone a helping hand like your parents did with Jimmy.
I sit here wondering what life would have been like if Jimmy did not get assisted by your mother. He would have been another lost soul in statistics. Happy to hear and hats off to your mother and all family for helping him.
@RebeccaScarlett (2532)
• Canada
21 Jan 11
I don't think that employee knew what they were talking about. Yes, you can leave a 14 year old home alone for periods of time, but legally you must provide for him the neccessities of life -- including food, clean clothes, and heat -- as long as he is a minor. The state should have taken him in if his parents were not providing that.
What a sad story but how amazing that your parents were willing and able to share the love and neccessities that they had to help him.
@Ravenladyj (22904)
• United States
20 Jan 11
its not just laws that need to change but also the system overall for those kids/teens who ARE in situations that are far from ideal be it abusive homes, neglect, homeless etc. I was a homeless teen (in Ontario) and even then the system SUCKED (I'm now 40) and sadly its gotten much worse to the point that F.A.C.S (child services) really shouldnt even exist anymore since they pretty much do NOTHING at this point...and BRAVO to your parents for giving a damn...I'm lke that myself with anyone in need but particularly kids and teens since I know all too well what its like to be in a serously horrible situation and have nobody there for you and no help in sight.
@rowantree (1186)
• United States
20 Jan 11
What a wonderful story! Jimmy is so lucky to have found you & your family. How awful for him but at a time when he needed someone the most, you & your family were there for him.
I agree, there should be better laws to protect abandoned & neglected children. If there were some type of program or better law, then Jimmy's teachers could have stepped in and helped him too.
