General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: This message was self-deleted by its author [View all]pnwmom
(109,024 posts)I don't know whether or not Mopinko did the right thing in this particular situation, and I'm not accusing Mopinko of being Gladys.
But we don't need to all become G.K. And even she didn't call the authorities every time she got suspicious.
I think Mopinko should have talked directly to the mother about his or her concern that her children were being left alone, and I don't see an indication that Mopinko did that.
We once became aware of a situation involving neglect. The mother was an immigrant and in her country it wasn't illegal or unusual to leave a baby in a crib while you did a quick errand. When we realized it was happening, my husband spoke to her husband (who was American and should have known better) and that was that. I think a direct approach should always be made before going to the authorities, unless the person with suspicions is fearful that there will be retaliation of some sort.