I pity the kid but...
By [eds]
@ZedSmart (19753)
Philippines
October 18, 2020 11:28am CST
There's this boy who stand by at the parking area of the building where our office is located. Not only he waited for a car to park that he could look after for an amount of money but he would also ask every passerby for food or any monetary value. I feel pity and tempted to give but I think that if I do so, it would become habitual. I do not intend to be selfish and mean but it would be nice if the parent could look after and provide the needs of their children. What should I do? If I will feed the boy once, it's temporary. Should I contact the social welfare's office so that they can provide help?
6 people like this
6 responses
@allen0187 (58438)
• Philippines
19 Oct 20
Getting social services to help the boy is the best option. He needs to be taken off the street.
1 person likes this
@allen0187 (58438)
• Philippines
20 Oct 20
@ZedSmart so have you reported the matter yet?
1 person likes this
@ZedSmart (19753)
• Philippines
22 Oct 20
@allen0187 Not yet. The next day, I haven't seen the kid roaming around until now.
1 person likes this
@louievill (28851)
• Philippines
18 Oct 20
I think it would be wise to call social welfare if like me you live in Metro Manila. It's still not allowed for children that age to be out on the street because of the pandemic. I think the parents will also have liabilities, it would be good if they are summoned so they would go back to their prime responsibility of taking care of their children.
1 person likes this
@louievill (28851)
• Philippines
18 Oct 20
@ZedSmart minors don't go to jail in our country, it would most probably be DSWD and the Barangay who would accompany and or summon them to be lectured, the parents/guardian would probably be given a first warning.
1 person likes this
@ZedSmart (19753)
• Philippines
18 Oct 20
You are right. Minors are not permitted to roam around and stays outside during this time. He may have an eye for the authorities so that he may not be questioned and possibly arrested. Yes, the parents should be held accountable but I think the boy would just want to survive. I'm not sure but the boy looks no harm. This is a common scenario but I don't like those street children become a gang and then involve in a street fight with another gang.
1 person likes this
@JimBo452020 (42629)
• United Kingdom
18 Oct 20
The last sentence of your post
That's what I would do.
You could give him something to eat if only to find out his name etc
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