Crazy Neighbors

[Autumnlicious]

I'm not sure either, Summer. I don't know if it's a job that takes him out of the picture, or if he just can't stand it and he leaves sometimes... all I know is I've heard weepy phone calls late at night, the mom begging him to come home. Also, the drinking starts when he's gone.

That is both sad and abhorrent.

[rexbeccarox]

Do you really want to be responsible for that? A toddler in a dirty old bed in a children's home without his/her mummy, crying for her and wondering what he/she did wrong?

This has been bugging me. Nora, I respect your posts very much, but do you really think I should be held responsible for that? I'm not the one beating them and abusing them. I'm the one person trying to help them.

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I understand - I've been in "tight" quarters with people before.

I would see if you could figure out what his situation is, because he could be the key to getting the kids out.

I would love to try... do you think I should wait the unknown amount of time the dad will be gone before calling the authorities? Last time, he was gone for over a month. I'm not really sure I should wait that long. Something bad could happen between now and when he comes back.

[NoraBrimstone]

Do you really want to be responsible for that? A toddler in a dirty old bed in a children's home without his/her mummy, crying for her and wondering what he/she did wrong?

This has been bugging me. Nora, I respect your posts very much, but do you really think I should be held responsible for that? I'm not the one beating them and abusing them. I'm the one person trying to help them.

I totally understand that, and it's nice that you care. But realistically, those kids most likely love their mother more than anything in the world, regardless of how they are treated by her. They will blame you for that. Otherwise, at least one of the kids is old enough to pick up the phone themselves.

[thesummerqueen]

Otherwise, at least one of the kids is old enough to pick up the phone themselves.

Do you understand how abusive situations work?

[rexbeccarox]

Otherwise, at least one of the kids is old enough to pick up the phone themselves.

Do you understand how abusive situations work?

And, also, I don't really care if they hate me over it. Guaranteed, they don't even know my name.

[thesummerqueen]

I would love to try... do you think I should wait the unknown amount of time the dad will be gone before calling the authorities? Last time, he was gone for over a month. I'm not really sure I should wait that long. Something bad could happen between now and when he comes back.

I think you should call the non-emergency number and explain the situation to the police and ask them what your options are, like you said. Also, do a quick google of the area you live in and see if there are abuse victim groups. The leaders and communication directors of those groups are more than willing to provide you with more information and help or solutions.

Also, a call to the local (hopefully secular) alcohol or substance abuse clinic might yield help as well.

[Godscreated]

You shouldn't wait much longer, what you said about the phone call to the husband could be the key to this problem, she may start blaming the children for him leaving and that could result in something really bad. Call the police they will investigate, or call CPS both will keep your identity hidden. I'm sorry that you've found yourself in this situation, this situation will not get better worse is where it's headed, head it off before something bad does happen. The way you're feeling now if something does happen, you're going to have trouble with your feelings about what could have been prevented. I want pray for you because I know you will consider it insulting, I will pray for the children and the situation.

[rexbeccarox]

I would love to try... do you think I should wait the unknown amount of time the dad will be gone before calling the authorities? Last time, he was gone for over a month. I'm not really sure I should wait that long. Something bad could happen between now and when he comes back.

I think you should call the non-emergency number and explain the situation to the police and ask them what your options are, like you said. Also, do a quick google of the area you live in and see if there are abuse victim groups. The leaders and communication directors of those groups are more than willing to provide you with more information and help or solutions.

Also, a call to the local (hopefully secular) alcohol or substance abuse clinic might yield help as well.

Thanks Summer. That's very helpful.

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You shouldn't wait much longer, what you said about the phone call to the husband could be the key to this problem, she may start blaming the children for him leaving and that could result in something really bad. Call the police they will investigate, or call CPS both will keep your identity hidden. I'm sorry that you've found yourself in this situation, this situation will not get better worse is where it's headed, head it off before something bad does happen. The way you're feeling now if something does happen, you're going to have trouble with your feelings about what could have been prevented. I want pray for you because I know you will consider it insulting, I will pray for the children and the situation.

You're right, GC. Thanks. Also, I don't find it insulting to be prayed for, but I'm not the one who really would need it if it did any good... the kids would. So, keep doing what you're doing

[Bad Writer]

But realistically, those kids most likely love their mother more than anything in the world, regardless of how they are treated by her. They will blame you for that. Otherwise, at least one of the kids is old enough to pick up the phone themselves.

WTF? Crack addicts love crack more than anything in the world, but it doesn't do them a lick of good to stay with it.

[Bows n Arrows]

You mentioned that things seemed to improve when the father was visiting (if I read your post correctly).

I would call CPS, they will get in contact with him too. Its possible he isn't aware of what is going on, or atleast doesn't know the extent.

I would also start recording what you hear from your property.

Usually they check to make sure the home is safe, food, and basic necessities. They see if the kids have obvious injuries. They ask questions about the family situation and help them to other services if needed, sometimes the parent has to attend a certain # of parenting classes, etc. There are MANY steps before a child is removed unless its very obvious that it is dangerous.