important question

[TriumphChris675]

griff im not sure which section i should put this but here goes

my ex girlfriend has been going out and leaving her 10 yo to watch her 4 yo shes out right now and they are home alone do i call the cops??

[kenas]

Could reach out to these folks:

http://www.co.pinellas.fl.us/bcc/justice/child_protection.htm

Good luck, my vote for mom of the year..

[LilRichard]

Stupid question (I don't have kids) but how old is old enough? Just curious if that is something black and white?

[Tonesteeno]

No 10yo should be supervising anything. Call the police.

[TriumphChris675]

well shes home now, so its a moot point, now shes telling me shes getting a restraining order on me.

[shift_jixer]

i think 13 or 14 is old enough to watch a sibling for short periods of time. really depends on the older kid are they mature enough? either way it doesn't apply here

whose kids yours or hers? if they are not yours than you are not going to be able to convince her what is right for them. I would guess that if they are not yours you have over time developed a bond or attachment to them. this is understandable but if the ex is being the way she sounds, interfering will only make things worse. Your best bet would be to keep in contact with any close family in hopes that they can direct her appropriately for the kids sake.

sounds like a bad deal all around, you seem like you want to do the right thing for the kids which is commendable but the ex is not going to allow that to happen.

a restraining order is easy to get. it is one of 2 things you are guilty of until proven innocent, the other is domestic violence.

good luck hope this works out for you

[RCDAVE]

My 9 year old is close and he does not stay home alone. let alone watch a 4 YO. She's destined for a terrible accident with her kids. Chris it sounds like ya might wanna step away from this mess buddy. When they start talking like that the cops will pretty much go with what she says.

[pb]

Is this the cheater. Why don't you walk away from this? And getting a restraining order is not something you get with just a phone call.

[PoppaNoDoz]

Step away from the problem. It's not your problem any longer. Stop caring, put the rope down. Walk away. If the kid burns the house down, well, that's a shame but she's your EX girlfriend.

The best thing about an "ex" is "I don't give a damn about what the rest of your life brings you"

Plus which, and this is gonna sound ROTTEN to say - having an ex with kids, that aren't yours, DUDE just stop caring and enjoy the peace and quiet that comes from not having the little snot eaters around.

[sergeantnic]

My wife works for the Department of Children and Families and you can file an abuse report annonymously. They will begin an investigation and if the allegations are true she will have a case opened against her but she will most likely not go to jail or anything. They would probably remove the kids for a short period of time and place them with family. She will then have to work on a case plan that involves meeting some expectations like taking a parenting class, etc.

That would then transition into her having some supervised visitations and at some point a judge would decide if she can get her kids back.

But if you are sure she is doing what you say she is doing then you absolutely have the responsibility of calling in an abuse report. Those children are in danger and if you don't do something about it they will continue to be in a bad situation that could turn worse.

I wouldn't take anybody's advice on here that is recommending to look the other way. Most of these people either don't have kids or don't have the intestinal fortitude to do what's right. We're talking about children that lack the power to do anything about the situation they are in. Come on people get real.

[Stricken]

Mom of the year for sure! But it seems like maybe you just want to get back at her for whatever she may have done to you, if that's the case there are better ways, if not hell yea but call dept of children and families on her ass! Good
luck!

[sergeantnic]

Doesn't really matter who you call because the appropriate agency will be contacted. If you call DCF they will send a Child Protection Investigator (CPI) out and normally those folks work directly for the sherriff of that particular county.

Here is the number to call.

1-800-96-ABUSE

But as stricken pointed out, you should not do it if it's a false claim to just get back at her. That is a felony to make a false abuse report.

http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/abuse/

[pop]

Step away from the problem. It's not your problem any longer. Stop caring, put the rope down. Walk away. If the kid burns the house down, well, that's a shame but she's your EX girlfriend.

The best thing about an "ex" is "I don't give a damn about what the rest of your life brings you"

Plus which, and this is gonna sound ROTTEN to say - having an ex with kids, that aren't yours, DUDE just stop caring and enjoy the peace and quiet that comes from not having the little snot eaters around.


+1..........Chris you're a good guy, more good things will happen for you brotha

[ctate]

griff im not sure which section i should put this but here goes

my ex girlfriend has been going out and leaving her 10 yo to watch her 4 yo shes out right now and they are home alone do i call the cops??


well shes home now, so its a moot point, now shes telling me shes getting a restraining order on me.


Sounds to me like you need to step away and stop stalking her. Is it right to leave a 10 Year old in charge? NO. But how do you know the 10 year old is in charge to begin with? How do you know someone isn't looking in on them?

My question is: are you mad because the kids are alone or because she is going out?

You can honestly say your not upset about her dating other guys?

without knowing the WHOLE story and situation. I'm going to side with her on this. Sorry but if it was me in her position. I'd have a restaining order issues yesterday on you. IMO it sounds like the classic ex-bf stalking and now your posting on TSB weather it's OK or NOT to threaten her with DCF. Your not going to get instant validation from me like the rest of these posts. Let your ex-GF live her own life and you need to live yours...

[vtwinpower]

Let her go. I love kids too but we cannot control everything in life. Calling herr in could make her lose her job or worse. Is she a good mother? Does she love her kids (I'm sure)? How often have you witness her doing this? Ask yourself a few questions before firing from the hip.

[ctate]

Doesn't really matter who you call because the appropriate agency will be contacted. If you call DCF they will send a Child Protection Investigator (CPI) out and normally those folks work directly for the sherriff of that particular county.

Here is the number to call.

1-800-96-ABUSE

But as stricken pointed out, you should not do it if it's a false claim to just get back at her. That is a felony to make a false abuse report.

http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/abuse/


If that was close to true, why can you leave a tip anonymously?


I know what it says on the DCF website. but they also provide a loop hole for that as well...

http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/abuse/what.shtml









Be Prepared to Provide:
Victim name, address or location, approximate age, race and sex;
Physical, mental or behavioral indications that the person is infirm or disabled;
Signs or indications of harm or injury, including a physical description if possible;
Relationship of the alleged perpetrator to the victim, if possible. If the relationship is unknown, a report will still be taken if other reporting criteria are met.
#4 is the one I have issue with. If you cannot provide your information but still meet the first 3 they will investigate.

IMO if a person is unable to face there accuser then chargers or an investigation shouldn't be launched. But since DCF is full of Librals hell bent on making the world a better place, according to there definition of better that is, side stepping the constitution isn't a big deal to them....

[Chameleiana]

IMHO 10 is a little young, but honestly, I babysat the neighbor's kids when I was 11 and 12. Of course, my parents were only a few houses away and a quick phone call away if there were any issues - I gotta agree with CTate on this one, how do you know there wasn't someone checking on them.

[lawnguyzx10r]

live, and let live.

[sergeantnic]

If that was close to true, why can you leave a tip anonymously?


I know what it says on the DCF website. but they also provide a loop hole for that as well...

http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/abuse/what.shtml








#4 is the one I have issue with. If you cannot provide your information but still meet the first 3 they will investigate.

IMO if a person is unable to face there accuser then chargers or an investigation shouldn't be launched. But since DCF is full of Librals hell bent on making the world a better place, according to there definition of better that is, side stepping the constitution isn't a big deal to them....

So, when did this thread turn political exactly?

I agree that a report shouldn't be filed if it's nothing more than an attempt to get back at the ex-girlfriend.

But if a 4 year old is truly being left alone with a 10 year old then let the folks who are trained in investigating that situation take the appropriate actions.

[sefe]

I soooooo wanna comment but I'm choosing NOT to in this case. Go figure... no one listens anyway!

[voodoo]

Id stay out of that situation. Its probably not right but just worry about you and let sleeping dogs lay.

[echoraven]

I soooooo wanna comment but I'm choosing NOT to in this case. Go figure... no one listens anyway!

:corn:
Dude, your teasin' and not deliverin'? We've run the gamut of opinions so far, yours couldn't be wackier... Come on; let 'er loose! :rocketwho

[seatec]

My wife works for the Department of Children and Families and you can file an abuse report annonymously. They will begin an investigation and if the allegations are true she will have a case opened against her but she will most likely not go to jail or anything. They would probably remove the kids for a short period of time and place them with family. She will then have to work on a case plan that involves meeting some expectations like taking a parenting class, etc.

That would then transition into her having some supervised visitations and at some point a judge would decide if she can get her kids back.

But if you are sure she is doing what you say she is doing then you absolutely have the responsibility of calling in an abuse report. Those children are in danger and if you don't do something about it they will continue to be in a bad situation that could turn worse.

I wouldn't take anybody's advice on here that is recommending to look the other way. Most of these people either don't have kids or don't have the intestinal fortitude to do what's right. We're talking about children that lack the power to do anything about the situation they are in. Come on people get real.

+1000000
The only problem i see with getting child services involved is that the kids are often not better off getting bounced around in the system. Gotta choose the lesser of two evils. Im saying that fi a parent isnt sname enough or care enough not to do the right like not letting a 10yo watch a 4yo no amount of coaching is goign to change that. She obviously doesnt love or care enough about these children. What a f@# ing shame.

[sefe]

:corn:
Dude, your teasin' and not deliverin'? We've run the gamut of opinions so far, yours couldn't be wackier... Come on; let 'er loose! :rocketwho
ok listen.... it's like this.

About 98% of peeps that have posted in this thread has completely missed the point except maybe sergeantnic ((IMO))

It really kinda depends on the Mentality of the Child and if they can make a conscience decision in certain situations?? My answer would be "Not many could but SOME can" Also I think age 12 is what the Law states and allows but NOT 100% sure TBH. Do "I think" a 10 yr old should watch a 4 yr old?? Probably not. This thread isn't about what Chris should do concerning "The Whole Situation" and just turn the other cheek and leave alone and just walk away. Walking away is the easiest thing to do sure but what if the house caught on fire and both children perished? Sure... the mother is ultimately responsible and would suffer the ultimate consequence but in a sense so was he knowing the fact that they were alone and did nothing about it. This should be about the safety of the children and that should be considered First and Foremost before anything else. I personally don't know if Chris' intent is or was for malicious reasoning or not but he would know the mentality of the children and would know if they can be left alone for any givin time and if he felt they shouldn't (As he is an Adult and CAN make conscience decisions) then he SHOULD have contacted the Authorities.

[sergeantnic]

I'm not recommending anybody file a claim on this parent as a justifiable means of revenge. And seatec is right, getting bounced around in the system isn't good for kids. However, there are some very loving foster families out there and that would be a last resort anyways. If the CPI found negligence and justifiable concern the kids would be placed with a family member and then a judge would have to rule on a case plan which the contracted provider of services for DCF would come up with.

And believe it or not, the current posture is to do whatever possible to keep kids in the home so they would probably be back in her care after she completed a few classes.

[sergeantnic]

ok listen.... it's like this.

About 98% of peeps that have posted in this thread has completely missed the point except maybe sergeantnic ((IMO))

It really kinda depends on the Mentality of the Child and if they can make a conscience decision in certain situations?? My answer would be "Not many could but SOME can" Also I think age 12 is what the Law states and allows but NOT 100% sure TBH. Do "I think" a 10 yr old should watch a 4 yr old?? Probably not. This thread isn't about what Chris should do concerning "The Whole Situation" and just turn the other cheek and leave alone and just walk away. This should be about the safety of the children and that should be considered First and Foremost before anything else.

+1000000000000000

Couldn't have said it better myself. I wasn't privy to the other stuff until reading this thread and didn't take that into consideration as I went off the first initial question.

If we look at just the question that was posed, if there is cause for concern and you are certain the 4 year old is being supervised by a 10 year old (and we're not talking about the mom is outside on the front porch or across the street talking to the neighbor), then yes, it is absolutely your responsibility to contact the authorities. Let them decide if there is any cause for concern.

As much as anybody wants to talk shit about the law and cops and DCF or whatever, I can tell you from first hand experience, DCF isn't going to take the kids out of the home unless there is a real problem.

And if anybody that works for DCF was to read this forum, they would be obligated to open an investigation just to see if the claims were warranted or not.

Just sayin.

[ctate]

So, when did this thread turn political exactly?

I agree that a report shouldn't be filed if it's nothing more than an attempt to get back at the ex-girlfriend.

But if a 4 year old is truly being left alone with a 10 year old then let the folks who are trained in investigating that situation take the appropriate actions.


Not political just the truth... DCF doesn't care about the constitution or Parents rights. they are only concerned with what they qu0tethinkqu0te is abuse. leaving a kid home alone for a few hours IMO doesn't necessarily constitute abuse to me. Nor should that mean that this mother should be investigated on the word of a scorned ex-BF...

[seatec]

except for rare exceptions fact is that a 10 year old wont react properly in an emergency situtation when a 4 year old child is concerned. Sure, she will dial 911 but any immediate help that "most" adults or older children could give would be lacking. A 10 year old should never watch a 4 year old for more than 10 minutes.

[ctate]

+1000000000000000

Couldn't have said it better myself. I wasn't privy to the other stuff until reading this thread and didn't take that into consideration as I went off the first initial question.

If we look at just the question that was posed, if there is cause for concern and you are certain the 4 year old is being supervised by a 10 year old (and we're not talking about the mom is outside on the front porch or across the street talking to the neighbor), then yes, it is absolutely your responsibility to contact the authorities. Let them decide if there is any cause for concern.

As much as anybody wants to talk shit about the law and cops and DCF or whatever, I can tell you from first hand experience, DCF isn't going to take the kids out of the home unless there is a real problem.

And if anybody that works for DCF was to read this forum, they would be obligated to open an investigation just to see if the claims were warranted or not.

Just sayin.

and there in lays the issue. Non of these kids were hurt as far as we know and even before everyone posted Chris posted she was home. Yet DCF will still invade this womens privacy on a anonymous tip.

but you just proved my point that DCF is unconstitutional. based on the premise that a persons right to privacy extends to raising there own kids.

a Childs welfare is important but IMO it's NOT as important as a Parents Right to raise there kids as they see fit. If this Mother leaves her Kids alone for a time and returns to them unharmed then who are we to say it's wrong? DCF shouldn't be the governments loop hole for side stepping the constitution on a hunch...

[PoppaNoDoz]

Of all the things I care about - the welfare of children that aren't mine, that are from some b*tch that did me wrong - well, that's just not on the list. You were a freakin' hero for taking that on to begin with, I doubt I would.

I'm childless for a reason, well a couple of reasons (1) The Vatican has sworn to kill my offspring and (2) I don't like kids. There are I think 2 people I know under 20 that I genuinely give a sh* about - the rest of those little fckers don't mean sh* to me. Social services, NOT social services, who really cares? Stay off my lawn, outta my stuff, away from me - we'll be fine.

If I had a GF who had some kid from some other dude, losing the kid would be a very compelling reason to break it off. She'd better be AMAZING and the kids better be the most awesome kids on the face of the planet.

[seatec]

and there in lays the issue. Non of these kids were hurt as far as we know and even before everyone posted Chris posted she was home. Yet DCF will still invade this womens privacy on a anonymous tip.

but you just proved my point that DCF is unconstitutional. based on the premise that a persons right to privacy extends to raising there own kids.

a Childs welfare is important but IMO it's NOT as important as a Parents Right to raise there kids as they see fit. If this Mother leaves her Kids alone for a time and returns to them unharmed then who are we to say it's wrong? DCF shouldn't be the governments loop hole for side stepping the constitution on a hunch...

Isn't that attitude like playing russian roulette? 9 times out fo 10 nothing will happen but the 10th time. Don't get me wrong. I have no big love for DCF (personal experiance) but somethign should at least eb said to the woman. to bad there si no middle ground wher DCF could just have a little talk wiht her and leave it at that.

[ctate]

except for rare exceptions fact is that a 10 year old wont react proeprly in an emergency siutation when a 4 year odl child is concerned. Sure, she will dial 911 but any immediate help that "most" adults or oder children could give would be lacking. a 10 year old should never watch a 4 year old for more than 10 minutes.


easy words to say coming from a guy who has no kids and doesn't know what it feels like to be a single Mother...

So by your logic, if she runs to the supermarket and it takes 15 mins, she should have her kids taken and be investigated???

Until I walked a mile in her shoes, I'm going to air on the side of Constitutional reason and say it's her kids she can raise them or not as she See's fit. IMO there are far worse things a parent can do than leave a young child alone for a few hours...

[seatec]

I'm just wondering how you would feel if you later found out somethign happen to the kid when the mother wasn't home and you did nothing. Just for the record. THis is a single occurance then calling DCF is definately over reacting.

[sergeantnic]

Not political just the truth... DCF doesn't care about the constitution or Parents rights. they are only concerned with what they qu0tethinkqu0te is abuse. leaving a kid home alone for a few hours IMO doesn't necessarily constitute abuse to me. Nor should that mean that this mother should be investigated on the word of a scorned ex-BF...

The "truth" would mean you have some insight into the operations of DCF outside of what the news is reporting. And if that's the case then I'm sorry if you've had to be on the other side of that conversation as either a parent or a child. But, having a spouse who has been working in that field for the last 10 years, it is my opinion (I don't have any facts or statistics) that DCF is not about removing kids from families. They are, in whole, about keeping children safe.

It's not considered abuse, it's considered neglect. And that's not for you or I to decide. That's for a judge to decide if at such time the trained professionals (CPI's) deem that to be neccessary.

Neither you or I know the facts and are only seeing one side to the story. And as my granfather always said, there's 3 sides to a story, your story, their story and the truth.

But we can agree to disagree and I have no problem with that. We just have different opinions is all.

[sefe]

easy words to say coming from a guy who has no kids and doesn't know what it feels like to be a single Mother...

So by your logic, if she runs to the supermarket and it takes 15 mins, she should have her kids taken and be investigated???

Until I walked a mile in her shoes, I'm going to air on the side of Constitutional reason and say it's her kids she can raise them or not as she See's fit. IMO there are far worse things a parent can do than leave a young child alone for a few hours...
Do you have Kids?

[seatec]

easy words to say coming from a guy who has no kids and doesn't know what it feels like to be a single Mother...

So by your logic, if she runs to the supermarket and it takes 15 mins, she should have her kids taken and be investigated???

Until I walked a mile in her shoes, I'm going to air on the side of Constitutional reason and say it's her kids she can raise them or not as she See's fit. IMO there are far worse things a parent can do than leave a young child alone for a few hours...

Shows you how much you know about me. Do your research first and then talk. i happen to have raised a steph child. And yes, had child services on my door step because the kid didnt feel that i had anything to say over him me not being his dad. DCF made my life a living hell and i did nothing but cared for the kid and had him live in a beautifull home and nothing but the best stuff. So i think im qualified to chime in.

As usual your are starting to twist words aroudn to suit your need for argument. We're done here.

[sergeantnic]

easy words to say coming from a guy who has no kids and doesn't know what it feels like to be a single Mother...

So by your logic, if she runs to the supermarket and it takes 15 mins, she should have her kids taken and be investigated???

Until I walked a mile in her shoes, I'm going to air on the side of Constitutional reason and say it's her kids she can raise them or not as she See's fit. IMO there are far worse things a parent can do than leave a young child alone for a few hours...

That's exactly the kind of wreckless thinking that kills kids everyday. 10 years old is way too young to be responsible for a toddler.

Choking, drowning, and other in home accidents almost always take place when children are unsupervised and a 10 year old is not responsible enough to take on those duties.

And again, unless you have some specific facts about how DCF handles it's cases, your rationale that the kids would be removed is ridiculous.

And it is NOT her consitutional right to raise her kids in a dangerous situation. It's the kids rights to be rased in a safe environment free from abuse or neglect.

[ctate]

Isn't that attitude like playing russian roulette? 9 times out fo 10 nothing will happen but the 10th time. Don't get me wrong. I have no big love for DCF (personal experiance) but somethign should at least eb said to the woman. to bad there si no middle ground wher DCF could just have a little talk wiht her and leave it at that.


No because 9 times out of 10 she isn't breaking any Laws. Plus the tenth time how do you know a law will be broken? IMO even a little talk with her is invasion of her privacy. Unless Chris is going to stand up and accuse her, sign a complaint and appear in court. then if she is found not guilty, Chris gets arrested for false accusation or if she if found guilty then she should be held accountable.

But it's not like the kids were left alone for days with no food or drink. Nor was there any indication that she beats or mistreats the kids. If there was I'm sure Chris would have posted that part.

For all we or DCF knows these kids are healthy, happy and safe in the parents custody. I'm sure if there was some question of this mothers ability to parent the schools would have noticed by now.

But everyone jumping on this Single Mothers back just because 1 ex-BF said something on an Internet site isn't call for investigation IMO.

If DCF talks to this parent, I'd consider it a witch hunt aka fishing expedition. NOT in the child's best interest.

Now if she was gone for a day or so. Maybe left the kids with no food, drink or clean clothes for that time. then DCF should step in. but only for a few hours? I gotta say No way is it there buisness...

Power to the Parent IMO...

[The_Jarhead]

I guess they were different times then, but I was a latch key kid from the day I started school.
When I was 10 was left home with my 5 yo sister all the time.
By the time I was 12 I was home with then 7yo sister and less then a year old sister.
I would actually take my mom's bike fitted with a baby seat to go go pick my youngest sister up from day care after school and watch both my sisters till my parents go home.

[ctate]

That's exactly the kind of wreckless thinking that kills kids everyday. 10 years old is way too young to be responsible for a toddler.

Choking, drowning, and other in home accidents almost always take place when children are unsupervised and a 10 year old is not responsible enough to take on those duties.

And again, unless you have some specific facts about how DCF handles it's cases, your rationale that the kids would be removed is ridiculous.

And it is NOT her consitutional right to raise her kids in a dangerous situation. It's the kids rights to be rased in a safe environment free from abuse or neglect.

Oh, ok kids never drowned, choke or other home accidents when being baby sitted or cared for by an adult? or is it just because they aren't 10 that makes it alright with you?

It doesn't matter if the kids are removed or not. the investigation into unfounded accusations is the problem.

AND NO, the parent is responsible for the child until the age of 18. So the parents rights supersede the child's since it's the PARENTS responsibility to raise, protect and pay for there child's mistakes until 18... If children had the same rights as parents they would be able to vote and register for the draft!!!

[sefe]

Lets try this senario CTATE...

Say you see a car parked in a BAR parking lot with a lets say what looks like a 10 yr old as well as what looks like a 4 yr old and it's 100dg outside and all the windows are rolled up!


justifiable to call the authorities or not?? Thought so...

[ctate]

Shows you how much you know about me. Do your research first and then talk. i happen to have raised a steph child. And yes, had child services on my door step because the kid didnt feel that i had anything to say over him me not being his dad. DCF made my life a living hell and i did nothing but cared for the kid and had him live in a beautifull home and nothing but the best stuff. So i think im qualified to chime in.

As usual your are starting to twist words aroudn to suit your need for argument. We're done here.


twisting words??? Clap-Clap

so I guess you didn't write: "a 10 year old should never watch a 4 year old for more than 10 minutes."

And now your saying that your basing what you wrote on your raising of a 10 year old step son who called DCF on you?


1st it doesn't surprise me that you had DCF called on you.

2nd Just because you "cared for the kid and had him live in a beautiful home and nothing but the best stuff" doesn't make you an expert on being a parent. Your not the daddy or mommy technically you got no say. Just because you were nice enough to open you home up to this kid doesn't make you his parent. Unless you adopt the child. then you got a legal say in raising him.

3rd Kristy has two kids and beautiful newborn grand daughter. we've lived together with her kids from 95' till they moved out. I know all about being a step dad. So when I say being a step dad doesn't make you the parent I know what I'm talking about. I too paid for her children's home, clothes, food and what nots when they were younger but according to the schools and what not. Kristy and her ex-husband were the legal parents. In the end I had no say when it came to raising them.

[ctate]

Lets try this senario CTATE...

Say you see a car parked in a BAR parking lot with a lets say what looks like a 10 yr old as well as what looks like a 4 yr old and it's 100dg outside and all the windows are rolled up!


justifiable to call the authorities or not?? Thought so...


How is that scenario the same as the one Chris posted originally?


I too can make stupid shit up to try to make a point... Like maybe the parent was at the bar to pick up a paycheck. but has a bad battery in the car. when the parent shut the car off and went to remove the 4 year old. maybe the parent accidentally locked the keys in the car and the 10 year old couldn't use the electric door lock or was just too stupid to unlock the car. So the parent went into the bar again to call for help as you happened by. Honest mistake that could possibly happen, but it isn't child abuse nor criminal...

so your ready to have this parent thrown in jail for child abuse without knowing all the facts that surround the case?

How long were you standing there waiting for the Parent before you called someone about it?

Did you try to help the children or did you just see them in the car for 15-30 seconds as you walked by, then made an anonymous phone call?

Did you make any attempt to enter the bar and find the parent?

Can you be for sure the parent was in the bar and not just parked in front of one?

Maybe the parent ran into the bar to pick up a check then came back out 2 mins later. Did you stick around long enough to know the kids lives were in danger?

See you didn't think your scenario though IMO. and that makes You exactly the type of person this country has too many of. You'd rather throw stones at something then take the time to figure out whats really going on...

[ctate]

I guess they were different times then, but I was a latch key kid from the day I started school.
When I was 10 was left home with my 5 yo sister all the time.
By the time I was 12 I was home with then 7yo sister and less then a year old sister.
I would actually take my mom's bike fitted with a baby seat to go go pick my youngest sister up from day care after school and watch both my sisters till my parents go home.


Dude, I wouldn't admit that around these posters. Your Likely to have you Mother and Father thrown in jail for neglect...:sad11:

But your right times are very different. back when you were that young. Liberals only cared about smoking pot and running around having free sex. Now all these new Liberals have taken on a McCarthy like attitude... Where you either agree with them or your the enemy... IMO I think all Liberals want to burn the constitution.

[LA Ryder]

Stay out of it...

Key words "EX GIRLFRIEND"... she cheated on you so I'm sure you have much better adjectives to describe her.

I hate to see men go through stuff like this!

So from the mind of a qu0tereformedqu0te player,

Here's what you do...

1) Smile everytime you see her. Fake it as hard as you can!!! You should smile all the time anyway, it's what's going to attract the next ex. Women are not attracted to miserable men. :D

2) Other than the smile show absolutely no interest in her. No verbal communication only the smile! Right now she owns you. You have to get into her head. You need to put thoughts in her head like "Did he find something better?", "did I mess up something good?" :crackup:

3) There's one thing that she always thought you should do... wear a certain shirt, cologne is a big one, cut your hair, grow or cut face hair. Something... Whatever that one thing is do it but still pay her no mind!! BTW, she was probably right and this is also going to help attract the next ex. :sinister:

4) The more you ignore... the more interesting you become. In her mind you're happy, she's not and she wants to be happy. She'll make the first move but you have to shake it off and make her work hard for it. :cool:

5) Now understand that when you become un-interesting again she will cheat again. You have choices to make on what to do next but long term relationship is not one of them. :hitit:

6) Take your smile and find someone new! :boobs:

[RickyNo]

10 is old enough to watch your own kids. you have to be 12 and take some babysitting class for your kid to babysit others though.

[PoppaNoDoz]

Perfect advice.


Stay out of it...

Key words "EX GIRLFRIEND"... she cheated on you so I'm sure you have much better adjectives to describe her.

I hate to see men go through stuff like this!

So from the mind of a qu0tereformedqu0te player,

Here's what you do...

1) Smile everytime you see her. Fake it as hard as you can!!! You should smile all the time anyway, it's what's going to attract the next ex. Women are not attracted to miserable men. :D

2) Other than the smile show absolutely no interest in her. No verbal communication only the smile! Right now she owns you. You have to get into her head. You need to put thoughts in her head like "Did he find something better?", "did I mess up something good?" :crackup:

3) There's one thing that she always thought you should do... wear a certain shirt, cologne is a big one, cut your hair, grow or cut face hair. Something... Whatever that one thing is do it but still pay her no mind!! BTW, she was probably right and this is also going to help attract the next ex. :sinister:

4) The more you ignore... the more interesting you become. In her mind you're happy, she's not and she wants to be happy. She'll make the first move but you have to shake it off and make her work hard for it. :cool:

5) Now understand that when you become un-interesting again she will cheat again. You have choices to make on what to do next but long term relationship is not one of them. :hitit:

6) Take your smile and find someone new! :boobs:

[sefe]

How is that scenario the same as the one Chris posted originally?


I too can make stupid shit up to try to make a point... Like maybe the parent was at the bar to pick up a paycheck. but has a bad battery in the car. when the parent shut the car off and went to remove the 4 year old. maybe the parent accidentally locked the keys in the car and the 10 year old couldn't use the electric door lock or was just too stupid to unlock the car. So the parent went into the bar again to call for help as you happened by. Honest mistake that could possibly happen, but it isn't child abuse nor criminal...

so your ready to have this parent thrown in jail for child abuse without knowing all the facts that surround the case?

How long were you standing there waiting for the Parent before you called someone about it?

Did you try to help the children or did you just see them in the car for 15-30 seconds as you walked by, then made an anonymous phone call?

Did you make any attempt to enter the bar and find the parent?

Can you be for sure the parent was in the bar and not just parked in front of one?

Maybe the parent ran into the bar to pick up a check then came back out 2 mins later. Did you stick around long enough to know the kids lives were in danger?

See you didn't think your scenario though IMO. and that makes You exactly the type of person this country has too many of. You'd rather throw stones at something then take the time to figure out whats really going on...

It's not the same scenario as Chris posted but by your logic it's perfectly fine so it doesn't really matter right. Out of sight outa mind right?? pfffft


and yeah you're right, I made my Scenario ALL up... Ignorance is Bliss huh??

http://www.google.com/search?source=ig&hl=en&rlz=1G1GGLQ_ENUS358&q=child+dies+in+hot+car&aq=1&aqi=g10&oq=Child+Dies+in+

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&rlz=1G1GGLQ_ENUS358&q=child+dies+in+house+fire&aq=2&aqi=g3&aql=&oq=child+dies+in+h

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&rlz=1G1GGLQ_ENUS358&q=child+dies+being+left+at+home+alone&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=


In any event, YOU'RE right and I'm wrong and I'm DONE with this thread!!

[seatec]

..

[seatec]

..

[seatec]

I should've know better than to reason with the unreasonable.

[IanH&D]

IMHO. I have three kids. One is mine the other two are my wifes. I have raised them since they were all in diapers. NEVER, EVER, EVER, leave a 10yr old child to watch a 4yr old child. What kind of judgement will you get in any kind of emergency or non-emergency situation? A 10yr olds that's what! Even if he/she were Einstien's kid it's not what you want if anything happens at all. It is also against the law to leave a child under 11 alone in Florida. The first thing any investigator is going to ask if anything "happened" is who was watching the child & where is his/her parent?
FWIW Since she is your EX-gf I would leave it alone. If you are that concerned and it occurs frequently then maybe you could notify one of her friends or family & they could talk to her. You can't tell people how to parent so be carefull about how you word things. Then stay the hell away!

[lawnguyzx10r]

Stay out of it...

Key words "EX GIRLFRIEND"... she cheated on you so I'm sure you have much better adjectives to describe her.

I hate to see men go through stuff like this!

So from the mind of a qu0tereformedqu0te player,

Here's what you do...

1) Smile everytime you see her. Fake it as hard as you can!!! You should smile all the time anyway, it's what's going to attract the next ex. Women are not attracted to miserable men. :D

2) Other than the smile show absolutely no interest in her. No verbal communication only the smile! Right now she owns you. You have to get into her head. You need to put thoughts in her head like "Did he find something better?", "did I mess up something good?" :crackup:

3) There's one thing that she always thought you should do... wear a certain shirt, cologne is a big one, cut your hair, grow or cut face hair. Something... Whatever that one thing is do it but still pay her no mind!! BTW, she was probably right and this is also going to help attract the next ex. :sinister:

4) The more you ignore... the more interesting you become. In her mind you're happy, she's not and she wants to be happy. She'll make the first move but you have to shake it off and make her work hard for it. :cool:

5) Now understand that when you become un-interesting again she will cheat again. You have choices to make on what to do next but long term relationship is not one of them. :hitit:

6) Take your smile and find someone new! :boobs:

Ahhhh, the game. :sinister: This is well written bro, I would like to add, that once you've practiced this a time or two, you wont have to fake it anymore, it comes naturally. People can destroy a life just the same as drugs or alcohol. Be selective with whom you choose to be involved with... your life may depend on it. This is MY life, I am King. Everybody else needs to fit in, or simply have NO part in it.

[pyroman1]

Is this the cheater. Why don't you walk away from this? And etting a restraining order is not something you get with just a phone call.
Domestic violence injuctions are obtainable by pissing off a judge enough times that he doesn't want to see either of you in his court room again, and it doesn't matter who pissed him off.

Step away from the problem. It's not your problem any longer. Stop caring, put the rope down. Walk away. If the kid burns the house down, well, that's a shame but she's your EX girlfriend.

The best thing about an "ex" is "I don't give a damn about what the rest of your life brings you"

Plus which, and this is gonna sound ROTTEN to say - having an ex with kids, that aren't yours, DUDE just stop caring and enjoy the peace and quiet that comes from not having the little snot eaters around.
:+1

If that was close to true, why can you leave a tip anonymously?


I know what it says on the DCF website. but they also provide a loop hole for that as well...

http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/abuse/what.shtml

#4 is the one I have issue with. If you cannot provide your information but still meet the first 3 they will investigate.

IMO if a person is unable to face there accuser then chargers or an investigation shouldn't be launched. But since DCF is full of Librals hell bent on making the world a better place, according to there definition of better that is, side stepping the constitution isn't a big deal to them....
I REALLY wish they didn't allow that nonsense.

I'm just wondering how you would feel if you later found out somethign happen to the kid when the mother wasn't home and you did nothing. Just for the record. THis is a single occurance then calling DCF is definately over reacting.
I've always been the type to feel that people should be punished after something happens, not preemptively.


Lets try this senario CTATE...

Say you see a car parked in a BAR parking lot with a lets say what looks like a 10 yr old as well as what looks like a 4 yr old and it's 100dg outside and all the windows are rolled up!


justifiable to call the authorities or not?? Thought so...
10 year olds speak, I'd say unlike the door and step outside if you are hot.



Finally, I've looked this law up before. Florida has no minimum age.

[ApogeeNow]

Chris, I'm only concerned about the JRT, is he OK???