Good morning everyone! Happy Friday to you all. We got a busy weekend ahead of us as we will be starting the outdoor holiday decorating process. Yes, this year we are starting early thanks to a very generous sponsor which you will read more about on this blog over the next few weeks. I have one local review to do this weekend and my family will be doing the other two. I just need a break and some R&R this weekend after our busy road trip last weekend.
Today’s Topic: How many of you are afraid to call the authorities when you see or suspect child abuse going on? Personally, I am not afraid and have done it several times over the past 30 years. I am not afraid to speak up, jump in and get involved. With that said, I have a friend who is constantly whining to me about her neighbors and how she suspects child abuse going on within that neighbor’s home. I asked her why she isn’t calling the authorities and she said “She doesn’t want to get involved & cause a ruckus in her neighborhood”. WTH? Hmmm, no, that doesn’t fly with me. Some of the things she has told me about these neighbors over the past 6 months is really disgusting, things she has personally seen or heard coming from their home and/or yard. Well, this morning when she called crying I told her she has 24 hours to call the authorities or I would. So, waiting to see if she gets enough “GUTS” to do the right thing.
Our question today is…have you ever reported anyone when you suspected child abuse or child neglect? These days, too many people don’t want to get involved which really saddens me. Your thoughts?
I worked in the schools system and in group gomes for many years and was a mandatory reporter. I have only once had to alert authorities and it was taken care of . I dint feel bad about turning them in at all.
Thankfully I have not had to report anyone for child abuse. I remember in my nursing school pediatrics clinical, being in a patient’s room (child’s room of a children’s hospital) and the father was suspected of it and it made me very uncomfortable. I would not hesitate to report it though.
I was the person responsible at the agency where I worked to call the child abuse hotline. I was mandated to give my name, but a non-mandated reporter can call in anonymously. Of course, a neighbor, friend, or family member could always suspect who did it. I think watching out for the welfare of any child is the responsibility of a neighbor, close friend, etc. I once hesitated when I was much younger to call the authorities, someone else did, and I was still blamed. I had known from that point forward that I would make the call when it was suspected. What would your friend do if something happened to the child(ren) and she just sat back. That would cause ruckus as well! I’m glad you let her know you would do it. I’ve learned how not to be a bystander and it is important for other people to learn too. Great topic!
Congratulations to the 2 winners. I am sure they will enjoy their prizes.
I hope you will be able to get the R & R you need this weekend.
I personally have not seen any child abuse in my neighborhood and hope that if I saw it I would get involved and inform the authorities. I did once refer a student to a guidance counselor to check out for neglect, and I did see a change for the better.