How being a daycare provider is more difficult than I thought. About This Page:

[Huntermom]

I think your solution is the one that makes most sense. I suspect the dad had to get to work and came up with the best solution he could.

I was a child protective services worker before a lawyer and now represent parents who are charged. I am not surprised that the complaint would be screened out. Agencies are really overworked and as such only investigate what is truly neglect.

[HollyH]

Originally Posted by guerns17

Okay..so i called and they said that although it is illegal they would only be investigated if the parent driving was suspected to be under the influence.

I think I am going to talk to the parents though and tell them if it happens again that I'll just come pick up the kids so that everyone is safe!

I'm glad you called. I suspected that they would probably tell you what they did (as Huntermom said, protective services are pretty overworked) but as I said before, as a mandated reporter I would rather err on the side of caution. It isn't my role to decide what will or won't be investigated.

I once made a report that a co-worker was furious that I was making. A 3 year old child had marks on his face and I just didn't feel good about them. My co-worker said, " He probably just fell with his glasses on.". I reported the incident and DCF told me to hold the child at school and they would be there within the hour! I was later called to the police station so they could take a statement regarding my report. As I was sitting with one officer, another came over and asked if I was (my name). I replied that I was and he said, "I want to shake your hand. You probably saved that child's life. Some people might not have reported but I'm glad you did." I don't know the details of what they found, but obviously it was something severe. (I do know that they went to the ER after picking him up from school and the child was immediately removed from the parent's custody.) I will say that the marks I observed didn't look severe, but it just didn't seem right and as such, I was obligated to report it.

I think offering to pick the children up yourself if this situation ever arises again is a great solution.

[GingerJ]

Originally Posted by HollyH

I'm glad you called. I suspected that they would probably tell you what they did (as Huntermom said, protective services are pretty overworked) but as I said before, as a mandated reporter I would rather err on the side of caution. It isn't my role to decide what will or won't be investigated.

I once made a report that a co-worker was furious that I was making. A 3 year old child had marks on his face and I just didn't feel good about them. My co-worker said, " He probably just fell with his glasses on.". I reported the incident and DCF told me to hold the child at school and they would be there within the hour! I was later called to the police station so they could take a statement regarding my report. As I was sitting with one officer, another came over and asked if I was (my name). I replied that I was and he said, "I want to shake your hand. You probably saved that child's life. Some people might not have reported but I'm glad you did." I don't know the details of what they found, but obviously it was something severe. (I do know that they went to the ER after picking him up from school and the child was immediately removed from the parent's custody.) I will say that the marks I observed didn't look severe, but it just didn't seem right and as such, I was obligated to report it.

I think offering to pick the children up yourself if this situation ever arises again is a great solution.

Bless you for helping that little one!

[mamajab]

I like your solution for the car seat situation. However, as a pediatrician, I have some concerns about his development. His wetting accidents aren't that unusual for a boy his age, although a full emptying of his bladder seems strange. Also, your description of the way he drinks and maneuvers stairs is NOT age appropriate. Unless you know he can do these skills, I worry that it may be more than just "coddling" at home. I agree with Holly; I would share your concerns the way she stated, and maybe ask if their pediatrician had offered any suggestions. Good luck.