NIRF: wwyd? (long!)

msjcordova

Here is the story

A new women moved in across the street about a year or so ago. She was never very pleasent and from talking with her a tad and talking to other neighbors, I learned that the 3 children she has are adopted. Fast forward to a few months after she has been living there. We see her yelling at the children at the top of her lungs in the front yard and garage telling them to  

"DONT TOUCH MY CAR!"

and things like that. I feel so bad for these children. We never see them happy and whenever we see them with her she is screaming at them. I would hate to think that she is abusing them and I know that parents have every right to yell at their children but it makes me wonder if I should call the police and let them know.

The other kicker is that since I work in childcare im obligated to report suspected abuse.  

*jenjen*

Hmm...tough situation.  Unless you have proof that she is actually abusing her children, I'd stay out of it.  To falsely accuse someone of child abuse and get the police involved when nothing is actually going on is a bad situation for everyone involved.  I hope the kids are okay.

albjag

Can you call in an anonymous noise complaint for her yelling?  Esp if it's late at night.  

That way if the cops see any signs of abuse or neglect- they can go from there.

Hopefully it's just yelling and not abuse.   

Are there any free after school programs for kids that you can tell her about?  Maybe that can be a way in to feel her out and meet her kids- and maybe she genuinely is just overwhelmed,etc. and may actually appreciate any advice. I hope 

msjcordova

We dont talk all that much and telling her about after school programs may make it seem like im stepping on her toes. Ill just keep a look out

SPerry0376

If I called the police, I wouldn't use the term "abuse" just in case. I would simply say that she is yelling so much at her children it is becoming a disturbance. I think that the police will take from that what they need to and do whatever is appropriate.