General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: This message was self-deleted by its author [View all]d_r
(6,907 posts)Look.
This sucks.
It sucks that the mom is working like that and then have a nosy landlord call the cops on her when she is doing the best she can.
I get that.
But here's the thing.
All of us, any of us, EACH of us have a moral obligation to alert the authorities if we SUSPECT abuse or neglect of children. Period.
It isn't up to us to be detectives. It isn't up to us to investigate. It isn't up to us to be the judge. It isn't up to us to be a host on a talk show and talk about how unfair society is. It isn't up to us to get in to the drama and be a part of the soap opera. It isn't for us to threaten and say "one more time and I'll report" or anything like that.
It IS our responsibility to contact the authorities.
We do not gather the evidence to "prove" the abuse or neglect. That is what the system is for.
If we SUSPECT abuse or neglect we must report. Not if we can "prove." Not if we think it will be better than not reporting. Not if we think it is fair or not. IF WE SUSPECT.
Yes, I understand when people don't trust the system to do what it is supposed to do, but ultimately we have to trust it. It is a best chance at keeping children safe.