Neighbor's youngest kid becoming a pain

[Zimbochick]

You really have to let CPS do what they do. We had neighbors until recently, 3 young daughters (each different dads). The oldest was 3 when they moved in, 6 when they moved out. Over time her personality changed. She would also come and hang with us all the time, and tell us her mom said she couldn't come home for x time. My 6th sense kicked in, but I thought I was being paranoid. The day they were to leave out of state she was hanging with DH helping him garden, and she tells him Mr. X (step dad) hurts her, he touches her, etc. We contacted CPS, but it was too late. Transpires Mr. X was selling pharmaceuticals and Mrs. X on those occasions when the kid wasn't allowed home. This we discovered after the fact. Listen to you instincts, and just be aware that if you get involved, it may be much more than you are prepared to, or equipped to deal with.

[DewDropInn]

Originally Posted by Zimbochick

Listen to you instincts, and just be aware that if you get involved, it may be much more than you are prepared to, or equipped to deal with.

Word. One thing I discovered after having Neighbors From the Evil Place was that some people really are evil. There are things that go on behind closed doors that nice, normal people can't even imagine. And you can get those neighbors no matter where you live.

Protecting your own family HAS to be #1.

[JustJulia]

Originally Posted by Baltimore suburbs

yeah... my DH has the same recommendation, but I would never forgive myself if something happened to her and I had the power to prevent it.

I know you have a soft heart. However, your allegiance should be to your family and home first, and it sounds like this girl is putting your family at risk. She steals, you are fearful of wrongful accusations, and she calls your son terrible names. I feel that your tender mercies are getting the best of you. You JUST told her mother that you are not a free babysitting service, and this girl is spending all day at your house.

If you cannot bear to send this girl home, you really have to get a grip on the situation. The next time she calls your son that name, say flatly and sternly, "Do not ever use those words in my house again. If you do, you have to leave." If she takes something from the fridge, take it away from her and tell her, "Don't take things without asking, Karen," or whatever her name is.

Frankly, though, if CPS is warning you not to be alone with her or suggesting that you have something to worry about, I would turn her out. She could literally ruin your life.

[Kathleen1971]

Speaking as a former foster child I have to agree that you have gone above and beyond need to let CPS take it from here. If she has been abused, and it sounds like she has, she will get the counseling she needs if she goes into foster care.

You have done what you can and then some. It's not on you at this point. Walk away for your own family's sake.