THREE KIDS ALONE
Everybody’s Uncle,
I live in Mo. and a neighbor has 3 childern ages 13 boy 12 a girl and 10 a boy . is it legal to leave them over night by them self....the 10 year old has trouble being focused on any thing for even a few minutes ....... the girl is very quite but when told to do something ..........she doesn't act like she hears you .....she has no hearing problems.....what can I say about the 13 year old his mothers boyfriend is treated like dirt and what he tells him is in one ear and out the other....... and I feel he's mean to the younger kids what are the laws In mo. or where can I find them.?
a concerned neighbor
Dear Neighbor,
You should contact Child Protective Services immediately. Laws protecting children are the basis for their existence.
Search Missouri State Law for the particulars.
Irrespective of which laws might or might not be violated, is concern for the well being of these young children. In my judgment, three young kids should virtually never be left unsupervised for any extended period of time; overnight is UNTHINKABLE.
You mention failure to focus, failure to “hear,” as well as inappropriate treatment of younger siblings. These factors could signal neglect or abuse in the home. Any parent that would leave three young kids alone overnight is, in my judgment, TOTALLY IRRESPONSIBLE.
While I am in no position to judge what relationship the “boyfriend” has with the children, the social setup of the household leaves much to be considered.
Please contact Child Protective Service immediately. If you, for any reason, are uncomfortable with calling CPS, please forward me the name and address of the family in question. I will take appropriate steps.
You had the good sense to notice a possible problem. Please have the good sense not to allow this situation to go unaddressed.
Everybody’s Uncle
