Off Topic » Dilemma......

The last several days have been a glorious dose of early spring in my area. Folks getting out, working in the yard and a more than few riders venturing onto the dusty roads (salt and anti-skid residue). This year that includes a person in my neighborhood (State Game Warden, I think) who does a few laps of our neighborhood on a 1970's vintage lawnmower engined minibike. The fact that the rider doesn't wear helmet isn't shocking (this is America, BTW). However, seated in front of the operator is either a toddler or a 2~3-yr old. The minibike is easily doing the 25mph speed limit of the street.

Should I call child protective services?

Zitat von Mr. 36654 im Beitrag #1

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The last several days have been a glorious dose of early spring in my area. Folks getting out, working in the yard and a more than few riders venturing onto the dusty roads (salt and anti-skid residue). This year that includes a person in my neighborhood (State Game Warden, I think) who does a few laps of our neighborhood on a 1970's vintage lawnmower engined minibike. The fact that the rider doesn't wear helmet isn't shocking (this is America, BTW). However, seated in front of the operator is either a toddler or a 2~3-yr old. The minibike is easily doing the 25mph speed limit of the street.

Should I call child protective services?

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Zitat von Richard230 im Beitrag #2

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I imagine that one of your neighbors would have already called CPS by now.

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imo, if it's a one-time, wind-in-your-hair experience for both parties, I suspect that will be a cherished memory for both... provided no one gets/got hurt. It's not a choice I'd make, but I know plenty of folks that survived that as a kid and look back warmly on it.

If it's recurring, I'd escalate my concern. Exact next steps might include something before CPS.... but agree with your assessment that many wait for others to act, incorrectly assuming action is being taken by others.

Zitat von backRoadS im Beitrag #5

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imo, if it's a one-time, wind-in-your-hair experience for both parties, I suspect that will be a cherished memory for both... provided no one gets/got hurt. It's not a choice I'd make, but I know plenty of folks that survived that as a kid and look back warmly on it.

If it's recurring, I'd escalate my concern. Exact next steps might include something before CPS.... but agree with your assessment that many wait for others to act, incorrectly assuming action is being taken by others.

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Speaking as a child protection lawyer I would say there are really two options: (a) speak directly to the man in a friendly way saying you are concerned for the risk to the child or (b) report it to Child Protection and let them have that conversation with him.

Of course the first may be a non-starter depending on the man you are dealing with.

Chris

If you think he might productively engage in a motorcyclist to motorcyclist conversation, I might try that. PA's no helmet law will not apply to that child, so visit by/talk with LEO may be a stop before CPS. I recognize if he's game warden, it may be moot or not productive. If there are other reasons to call CPS, then definitely do; good advice from @PlacidoD

I rode mini-bikes as a kid, many without brakes. My uncle taught me to shoot a revolver at age six. I bought my first motorcycle when I was thirteen...

...thank goodness nobody ratted me out.

Zitat von Blackshirt im Beitrag #9

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I rode mini-bikes as a kid, many without brakes. My uncle taught me to shoot a revolver at age six. I bought my first motorcycle when I was thirteen...

...thank goodness nobody ratted me out.

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Zitat von wessie im Beitrag #11

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If such a referral came in then it would most likely be handled by a neighbourhood PCSO (civilian police community support officer) having a word with the parent about safety and traffic law.

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Neighbors need to look out for each other - have each other's back, but in our modern society we've lost site of this duty. Many of us don't even know the names of the neighbors that live next door or across the street.

A direct conversation is what I would advise before heading to the authorities. Difficult conversations would be so much easier if we knew our neighbors and would be viewed as helpful - looking out for your fellow neighbor.

I know about 30% of my neighbors and I too need to do a better job now ahead of any difficult conversations. Good luck to you - tough call.

Zitat von Limecreek im Beitrag #14

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Neighbors need to look out for each other - have each other's back, but in our modern society we've lost site of this duty. Many of us don't even know the names of the neighbors that live next door or across the street.

A direct conversation is what I would advise before heading to the authorities. Difficult conversations would be so much easier if we knew our neighbors and would be viewed as helpful - looking out for your fellow neighbor.

I know about 30% of my neighbors and I too need to do a better job now ahead of any difficult conversations. Good luck to you - tough call.

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