“And don’t think everybody’s going to choose your side” *
You know how some things happen in your life things that are really big, bad big, the sorts of things that don’t go away that you have to simply learn how to live with?
I’ve been learning to deal with one of those situations for almost a year now. Since my hospitalized break down last March I have come further as a person and learned more about life and myself and human behavior than I ever could have in a class. But the truth remains in no particular order that 2008 was in the top three worst years of my thirty-one years to date. And the beginning of this year has shown that I’m not there yet, that things need to be said so I can for real move on, for real LET GO because it isn’t that I haven’t moved on, it is that every time something happens in relation to a decision that changed not just my whole life but my husband’s too, it is only ever talked about in bits and pieces or in gossip circles. There is so much misunderstanding and judgment already in regards to what I’m about to write about that this is by far the hardest post I have and probably ever will write on my website. I simply can not go on with this blog or as a writer if I don’t come out with my side of the story. I can handle people making the decision to not like me or judge me if you know the truth but I’ve realized I’m simply not strong enough to handle the fear, judgment and loss of so many things and people that are important to me without speaking my piece.
Back in 2003 I met a woman and it just so happened through university that Adam knew her too. We had a volatile friendship from the start, I found her to be sort of like The Weekly World News we drifted apart and back together when after years of trying, she got pregnant. Now my point is not to bash her but even she will admit she suffers from many mental illnesses and was not in a healthy relationship with the father, never has been. We spent almost every day together, Adam and I were the first people to meet the baby who were not family, and we spent a Christmas with her and her new family right after her father passed making it all about her because Christmas is not my thing but we cared deeply for her and still care for the baby. But there were issues right off the bat, issues with her and the baby. Adam and I grew concerned and so did my psychiatrist. I started to talk to my friend from high school another recently new mother who was floored by what I was relaying to her because I knew bad and wrong shit where going on with this baby but I was afraid to do something, she told me she’d have already called Child Protection Services. My shrink encouraged me weekly to call Emergency Medical Services. With what we knew, if the child was harmed, we could have been criminally charged and partially liable for not reporting to CS.
And with that after making the hardest decision I have ever made in my life, after all the unfair and unwarranted shit I have taken for doing the right thing I am going to tell you that based on all the information we had, all that I had witnessed, all that we had witnessed together and based on things she had stupidly written about on her own blog, all printed off and shown to my shrink, it had reached the point that I could not for my own humanity wait any longer. I called EMS, who advised me to immediately call the Ministry of Children, who were adamant that we had done the right thing by calling.
She can say that I deserved all the horrible things she did to me because in her eyes we attacked her child. She can’t understand that we did the opposite, that nobody would wish to bring this storm on themselves unless it was the only thing left to do to keep that child safe. We have a number of friends with children, all good parents; they stood by us when at first they didn’t understand and could really only think of how horrible that happening to them would have been but they’ve seen what we’ve gone through with this and support us in full.
I’m terrified of being judged even more by posting this, but it almost killed me last year and still via harassment in various forms causes a lot of grief when I find myself weak and let it in. I need to write and I won’t let this hold me back any more, I took the high road for a very, very long time, and I don’t see this as stepping back it is stepping forward, because through all the pain and insurmountable heartache and loss this one fateful call has caused us, I don’t regret making that call and there is nothing on earth that could make me.
* lyrics property of Natalie Merchant
January 8th, 2009 at 00:43
Corinna,
It is very brave that you wrote this post. There will always be two sides (those who agree with whether you did the right thing and those who will disagree). I think, based on the information you present here, you did what you thought was right and that’s to be applauded. Sadly, we live in a world of inaction. Nobody wants to do anything.
A similar case happened recently on Twitter (a woman who tweeted something about smothering her child and someone called the cops on her). There will always be people who disagree, but I think the most important thing is that you know in your heart that you did things out of wanting to protect the child and in good faith.
January 8th, 2009 at 00:50
Intense post, and even more of an intense experience for you. You did the right thing, absolutely, for the sake of the child. You never have to defend yourself for defending the innocent.
January 8th, 2009 at 01:45
I remember talking about this with you, and I still think you did the right thing. You should never feel regret when you’re looking out for the safety of a child. Corinna, I know you well and you would *never* do something like this unless it was warranted and had enough proof to do so, and you did, so please don’t beat yourself up about it.
You know in your heart you didn’t do anything to screw up that child like she says you did. This is a classic case of the wrong-doer being defensive. Plain and simple. Can’t take any resonsibility for what they’re doing, and attack people who call them on their shit. I’m proud of you for doing this, being so strong, and standing your ground. Children need protection and you did just that. You’re a good person.
January 8th, 2009 at 02:52
Dont ever think for once you did the wrong thing cause you didn’t. Children are defenseless ,our jobs as parents is to look after there health and wellbeing. I applaud you for doing that, as I know first hand sometimes its even hard to get child welfare involved or to come around like they say they will. We need more people in this world to stand up for the rights of those who may not be able to stand up for themselves. If this “women” cant understand why you did this, then I am truly sorry for her. I am thankful for this story and the others that you share with us.
January 8th, 2009 at 05:51
First Bert said to say “Woof Hmmmf” to Gus.
Second, I love you for doing this. This must have been the hardest thing for you to do. xoxoxo
You know how I feel about this. And I think that you are really brave for going ahead with this post. more power to ya.
Also Bert would like to express his desire to fluff with his bum.
miss ya lady!
xoxoxox
January 8th, 2009 at 06:11
Good for you Corinna!!!!
January 8th, 2009 at 08:37
While there are many sides to all stories. While there are cases of malicious people interfering in people’s lives via CS, this doesn’t strike me as one of those cases.
Objectively speaking here you consulted not only with parents, but a professional who is also legally bound to report these things, sounds like consensus was: do it.
As a parent I know that if I were not doing right by my kids, that someone would call me on it. If serious enough, call the authorities.
Children don’t choose their parents. Children can’t defend themselves. Often, sadly, it’s up to the rest of us to watch over them and protect them from the people who should love them the most.
Love and support to you.
January 8th, 2009 at 08:57
Your willingness to speak your truth and stand by it is what living is all about. Congratulations on finding your voice. I am sorry you lost a friend over it, but I am also glad you helped a child. Try to find peace in the idea that what you did was done out of love, compassion, and the best intentions, no matter what fallout might come from it. Forgive yourself and forgive all involved and you will find the quiet you need.
Thank you for having the courage to share.
Vicki
January 8th, 2009 at 09:41
Wow, I’m so sorry you were stuck in the middle of that situation. I’m glad you were able to do what you needed to, and hope you soon get the peace you deserve.
January 8th, 2009 at 09:43
Sounds to me like you did the sensible thing. You thought something was wrong and talked to other people you trust and respect before taking any actions. By no means was it the easiest thing, but it was the right thing – and I respect you for taking action where a lot of people would have been too afraid to do so. Always better to be safe than sorry … sounds like you might have given that child the opportunity to grow up in an safe and loving home, that s/he might not have been able to otherwise.
Hugs!
January 8th, 2009 at 09:55
Sounds like you did the right thing
It also sounds like you Really care about children/their well-being.
You deserve appreciation for both things.
Have peace
January 8th, 2009 at 11:36
What types of things were happening or being said? I am a mother and I must say that a friend of mine, also a mother, had CPS called on her (she lives in the states) by a bitter friend…. it was completely fair for her to CALL – as she FELT there was concern and she was WORRIED…. but they didn’t take my friends 3 kids away – because – - – there was no reason, her worries were just concerns from a non-mother who didn’t know any better.
Are you a mother?
I think that involving CPS is a seriousl issue, did they take the child away? They always will in serious cases!!!!
What’s done is done, make peace and move on!
January 8th, 2009 at 11:52
I find it INCREDIBLY pathetic that you say that you still care for this child. If you truely did, and weren’t writing this as some means of getting sympathy from your readers, you would do that sweet, beautiful child some justice and explain what happened AFTER you made that “painful” decision to make that call.
Because when it comes down to it, your call did NOTHING. Because there was NO REASON for them to. Because your call was total bullshit based on achieving vindication and revenge. Because you know that this child you still care for is where she belongs, with a mother who loves her, who cares for her well being, and who struggles daily, as ALL mothers do, to be her very best for her beautiful daughter.
But that just doesn’t fit into this story right? I hope you get whatever the hell you are looking for from the people who don’t know the truth of the situation.
And go ahead and delete this if you want. I know that if I was trying to gain sympathy and pats on the back for being selfish and immature, I would probably delete it too.
January 8th, 2009 at 11:55
I’m with Mandy – I’d like to know what exactly happened. Or not even exactly, but a general idea maybe.
You said that you’re terrified of being judged. I’m not judging you, but I can’t really, since I don’t know why you called. I have to admit though: it strikes me as funny (and not funny ha-ha) that you would blog about this (again), and say you don’t want to be judged, but you don’t try to justify it to the extent that you’ll at least vaguely tell us what was worth involving the authorities over. You haven’t really shared your side. You’ve shared bits and pieces.
And for disclosure purposes, I do know the mother of which you speak and I adore her, so I’m biased.
January 8th, 2009 at 11:59
Just stumbled across your blog and don’t know the whole drama that went down before or after you called CPS on said friend, but I have to ask did you try to get her any help BEFORE you called CPS on her? Did you reach out to said friend AFTER you did to try to get her the help you THINK she needed to be the mother you expect her to be to this child? Sounds like you have been seeing a therapist, so did you help this woman see a therapist. Most therapist do not advise this sort of drastic action WITHOUT FIRST meeting with said friend. I understand you might have felt this need to do, but seriously if you felt that you could have actually helped said friend BEFORE taking such a drastic action that ultimately could have harmed the child more than her own mother it was your duty as a “friend” to help her first. Just saying …
January 8th, 2009 at 12:12
The more I read over your post the more concerned I am that you actually spent YOUR time with YOUR psychiatrist talking about said friend. All this talk and no action to help except to have the child taken away?!?!?! You say that you “cared deeply for her” but what you did was not HELP her. As a friend that should have been your first action. Throwing a Christmas party is not HELPING her. If what she was experiencing was PPD (guessing since you haven’t elaborated on “issues with her and the baby”) then removal of the child is not HELPING your said friend. The things you could have done to help are simple … babysitting for the day so she could get a nap or a day to run errands and get fresh air … bringing her groceries or precooked meals to alleviate some stress … cleaning her house for the day so she could get a break. To me that is being a REAL friend who truly wants to HELP.
January 8th, 2009 at 13:29
It’s not my place to say what occurred, but I was told quite a while ago what was happening and the people that are attacking Corinna on here really don’t have a leg to stand on, I’m sorry but you don’t. I see your points and they are valid concerns, but as you also said, you don’t know the situation. Don’t crucify her for not knowing the whole story, because that is exactly what you are doing.
Corrina did seek other help before she called CPS. She talked to people, professional people aside from her psychiatrist. She did NOT want to do this to her friend or the child, but saw no other alternative in the end. This tore her apart to do it. Corinna also is NOT the type of person to strike out at someone and ruin their life because of bitterness. I have known her since we were young kids and would NEVER do that to anyone. She has a good heart, and this is why she did what she did.
And I’m sorry, but cooking or getting groceries etc….would not have helped that situation. Like I said, you don’t know what was going on in that house and it definitely was NOT a case of a mother needing help in that sense. The child was in danger.
Corinna also did not write this to get “sympathy” as you put it. She needed to get it off her chest. People vent. I’m sure you do too. Get over it.
I find it quite pathetic that YOU people are defending the parents that caused this shit situation to happen in the first place. Shame on you.
Kudos to the people supporting her too.
January 8th, 2009 at 13:37
With the exception of Miss, who chose to respond with name calling, I think that both sides of the comments have valid points. I also don’t know the particulars of what prompted the CPS response, so I am not making an informed concession, but I think it’s always fair to expect a little criticism of as well as commendation for a decision that affects another family’s life.
If you felt that the situation was severe enough that intervention was required, then that is the choice you made at the time based on what you thought would be the best course of action. You called the experts, CPS, who could then come in and assess the situation with a more experienced eye. It would be different had you stepped in and taken the child with your own hands claiming you knew better. But you didn’t. You called the people who knew more than you and could decide whether action would be necessary based on your concern about a situation that could potentially be harmful to a child.
I don’t think anyone, mother or not, would maliciously plot to have someone else’s child taken away just out of spite and revenge. There isn’t anything big enough to warrant that. That kind of silly shit only happens in movies.
Whether or not it was the right or wrong decision, whether it was too strong an action or totally correct, no matter which therapist was consulted, I think that you are the kind of person that would have done what you thought was the best for the defenceless party involved at that particular time.
What’s done is done, at any rate, and closure is required to get past all this. How about this be the last post and the last round of comments on the situation, and then everyone can focus on moving past it?
January 8th, 2009 at 14:02
Mandy, Miss, Red Lotus Mama, Maria. Wow, there are TWO sides to every story, NONE of you know what really happened and what led up to the events that did occur, even getting the whole story from one person, you will get the way they perceived it. Maria, you know said mother, so OBVIOUSLY you are going to have her side. The EMS ISN’T going to just go over to someones house JUST because of a phone call, they will do there own investigating. They did, they also felt it wasn’t necessary to remove the child from the home. Corinna did what she felt and what was also told was right to do. She can now know that she did what she could to make sure the child isn’t in harms way. She felt the child was in danger, she did what she should have done and expressed her concerns. I could understand if this was done so maliciously because of whatever reason, it wasn’t! Discussions were had for MONTHS on the behaviour of the mother even before any ends in friendships.
Mandy, you don’t need to be a mother to know whether or not something isn’t right. “O if you had a child, you’d understand” Obviously if the mother feels she is doing no wrong then she will be offended when someone else thinks otherwise. It has NOTHING to do with whether or not someone has a child.
Miss, if someone called EMS on YOUR child I am sure the LAST person you would want to “update” on said childs well-being is the person you “thought” (because, really, until now no one really knew for sure who DID call) called anyone on you. How do you propose she does “stay in touch” with the child she cares about.
Maria, you know the mother, but did you know her when for days, weeks and months on end, she blogged about how much she hated her daughter, would look at her and wish she were never born and other such thoughts to indicate someone who desperately needs help.
Red Lotus Mama, what exactly do you think the best way to tell someone they need some serious help is. How do you know those things you suggested weren’t even done for the mother. If someone came up to you and suggested getting therapy would you quickly answer “yes, you are correct, will get right on that”. The mother was on (if memory serves correctly) several anti-depressents and anti-psychotics prior to having her child. Should she be on them again…that is not our decision but those of a professional.
As for bringing this up again at a later time, It is called CLOSURE, everyone needs to move on, you can’t change what has been done, it’s done. Corinna needs to heal, mother needs to heal!
January 8th, 2009 at 14:21
Way to go, posting this! You did right and it wasn’t a decision you made lightly. And professionals in this area agree. If she, her supporters and the crazy people who, for whatever crazy reason, just don’t like you personally–if those people can’t face the facts now that you’ve laid them bare, screw ‘em.
January 8th, 2009 at 14:56
You did what you felt in your heart was right and thats all that matters. Maybe if everyone in the world was a little more in tune with the way other people are treated thing wouldn’t be as bad as they are now.
Its better to do something and know you could have helped then to do nothing and feel guilty every day if something bad happened to that baby.
January 8th, 2009 at 15:42
I’ve had a hard time deciding whether I wanted to respond to this – fluctuating between fuck you and fuck this, Corinna. The simple fact is that this happened nearly 18 months ago, if you needed closure you’ve had plenty of time to try to get it. Blogging about it in a public venue, tweeting about blogging it, your seemingly obsessive thoughts about it…they don’t show a want for closure. They do indicate that you’re having some trouble moving on.
I’ve moved blogs, changed pseudonyms, started new accounts all over the Internet. Changed my phone numbers, moved, discontinued contact with nearly every one of our mutual friends because I was moving on. You know this, you’ve gone looking for me, to see pictures of my daughter, apparently. Please leave this alone and grow up. I can’t see this post as much more than an attempt to hurt me and my daughter again. You also still refuse to tell the main person involved, ME, what it was that you and Adam witnessed so many times apparently.
Rhonda, you are wrong. There are always THREE sides to each story. Also there is a mandate for Child and Family Services to investigate, within the home, each and every complaint they’ve received. Additionally, the type of investigators that showed up at my home were those called in for emergency situations, only. Car 86, I believe it’s called, is when a social worker and police officer come to a home when they are sure they will be removing the child and/or apprehending the parent.
For you, Corinna (and Adam) to have consulted SO many people and professionals, but never having addressed ONE concern with me is most disconcerting. If you seriously thought that my daughter was at risk, then when she was five months old and you, Corinna came to my apartment to return my umbrella so that I could take her for a walk, and I was crying because SHE wouldn’t stop crying (because she was just ending colic) would have been a good time.
A time to address it would have been any other time than the 1am phone call I received from you. A call you placed to scream in my ear after our big fight, because a former friend of mine made you think she was threatening you. You hadn’t seen me in four weeks, nor my daughter (who was sleeping contentedly at the time in her crib), and you had absolutely no reason to think she was in danger more at that point than any other of her past 13 months, yet THAT is when you called. After you felt threatened.
I am a good mom, and I’m sorry to anyone who thinks otherwise, but YES, you do have to be a mother to understand that it IS possible to dislike and even hate your children at some points. They are tiny little people with large personalities that push and push and you, as a parent, are not to push them back. It’s like banging your head against a wall sometimes. So yes, I said it on the Internet. So have a lot of other people.
Ultimately, this is a good thing, what you did, Corinna. Because it gave me a reason to step outside of the scene I was part of and become something bigger. I’m a professional writer, a mother that even child services has given a glowing report to, and most importantly, I’ve grown enough to know that just because a woman who can’t even taken care of herself critiques my parenting ability, does not mean that I am a bad parent.
I have SO much more than you do, 18 months later. And all it took was saying on a blog that I hated my daughter. So thank you for that, really. And I hope that the anti-psychotics are continuing to treat you well.
January 8th, 2009 at 17:29
I seriously think I just threw up in my mouth a little. The only thing worse then your blithering on about your ‘horrible little life’ that I know of 100 people that would gladly trade you for in a heart beat is all you people that legitimize your whining by calling you brave for it.
January 8th, 2009 at 17:42
@Russel thank you for using a name this time. that other anon comment you left was nice too. just wanted to let you know that cause you are a troll and nothing else your IP is being tracked, i don’t check my stats but i checked em special just for you. thank you for subscribing to my feed, it is nice to know you have nothing better to do than subscribe to blog feeds to bash people. have fun with that. cheers.
January 8th, 2009 at 17:43
Corinna, I’m a lot like you in the sense that I tend to hold onto things for a while. The only way I can get them off my chest is to vent them – put them out there and then hope to move on. I’ve held onto things from over a decade ago and still, some bad memories are there, lurking in dark corners. I write, I vent, I don’t mention names, game over.
Whatever the content of this post may be (yes I’ve read it, and yes, I’m on your side because you felt you did what was right. You were in a tight situation and if you were wrong with your choice of action, the responsible mother would have proven you wrong which works out for them) this is your space to vent, talk and go on.
Speaking from the view point of someone who is currently taking medication, I find it sickening that the person who posted above me would sink to that name calling level. I guess you don’t have to be mature to be a mother these days.
January 8th, 2009 at 18:14
people can think whatever they want, but they need to think for themselves. it is absolutely retarded that we would put anyone through that if we were shaky on whether it had to be done.
January 8th, 2009 at 20:09
I believe there is such a thing as a duty to report and I believe that it’s a law. Make the call, let the responders and agencies make the appropriate decisions. It’s what they get paid to do.
January 8th, 2009 at 23:40
Paul – I agree with you.
Working with at-risk-youth we learned that if you suspect trouble, you call.
My question is – why did [Corrina?] wait so long if she was fearful for the child in question? and also – now that the child was NOT taken away – why does she continue to dwell on this issue – and so public…. it seems many people here know the individuals and it seems quite inappropriate in my opinion.
Suffice it to say – I am glad it was not me in the situation and I am glad the child is safe with it’s mother.
January 9th, 2009 at 00:52
Mandy, Miss, Red Lotus Mama, Maria, Terra. Would it be inappropriate and/or akin to poking a bear with a stick If I said at this juncture: “Hey Ladies… You wanna get nekkid and wrestle?”…….
Just putting it out there.
Why do I always want to wrestle with the crazy ones?
January 9th, 2009 at 04:06
I think everyone here has the right idea. You know how great I think you and Adam are. I know you always try to do the right thing.
January 9th, 2009 at 04:08
By everyone, I mean the usual, supportive commenty folk.
January 9th, 2009 at 08:52
Where children are concerned, I think it’s better to err on the side of caution and if abuse is suspected, it’s worth the time and resources it takes to have the authorities check it out and help that parent and child. It’s easy for a parent to become defensive because children don’t come with manuals and we are all struggling to be the best parent we can be, but what’s important is that the child’s welfare was looked into and was not in danger. To me, there is no greater shame than indifference, especially where children are concerned and I think you did the right thing. It’s unfortunate that your mental health issues have to be tossed in your face but perhaps when the mother of this child stops thinking it’s about her and realizes that it’s about her child, then you all can move on from this.
(For the record, I have two children that I have never “hated” and find it completely offensive that someone would think that this is an acceptable feeling to have towards a child.)
January 9th, 2009 at 08:57
Child abuse is one thing I simply do not stand for, period.
I once witnessed a woman on BART yelling at her kid who was unruly at the time which caught my attention. A few moments later she slapped the kid with a hard back hand… I should have called the authorities but before I knew it had even happened, I had threatened her face-to-face two inches away from each other.
It solved the problem for the moment, but it wasn’t the right call; I should have reported her instead.
I support your decision 100%.
Ben
January 9th, 2009 at 17:07
I can only imagine the struggle you went through before making that call, but ultimately you made the right decision, because if there is even a shred of doubt for the welfare of the child then it is the right thing to do to make that call. The services are there to evaluate the situation and make the final judgement. Knowing that this woman was a friend and someone dear to you made it that much harder, for fear of “betraying” her, but give it time, and she will see the light.
As for posting this, hats off to you! Maybe for some people they can move on from such a difficult situation, but I appreciate the fact that you are posting about it because it is something important and real to you. It has affected you deeply. And if anyone thinks that you may have posted just to get sympathy, then they just need to read the above comments.
Hugs to you and Adam!
January 10th, 2009 at 05:53
@Russel with one L, L is the first letter of the word Lady.
I read your comment just now and seriously I think I just threw up in my mouth a little.
@Mandy, Miss, Red Lotus Mama, Maria, Terra: … Ladies seriously where’s my reply? Don’t tell me I got that 50 Gallon Drum of KY for nothing! Let’s wrestle!
January 13th, 2009 at 07:03
I think it’s really brave to do something instead of nothing and the fact that you took so long to do it means that you didn’t take the decision lightly. I understand why you’re blogging about it, too.
January 15th, 2009 at 14:30
[...] One: Corinna writes an honest, open letter to get things off her chest. A personal, wait, very personal letter. Click. Send. It’s out [...]
December 2nd, 2009 at 16:22
Corinna, i do not know you long. But i do know Mental Health issues, as i have suffered all my life. I also know a Bully or Bullies when I see & read them. You made a difficult decision., one that no one would like to make and if they did they would always question if it was right or wrong. And to what I see as Online Bullies, yes you the people who have to make comments on Corinna’s health & medications. If you really wanted to cut ties and grow you too would stop reading her blog, and following her or reacting to her comments. But no, that would be the adult thing to do. No Bullies like a foe, it gives them power, a feeling that justifies their own anger and pain. A scape goat for their guilt and maybe shame.
Oh and being a working writer does not make you healthy or a good parent, exhibit A) Hunter S. Thompson, exhibit 2) William S Burroughs. Bullies will hide behind their insecurites and surround themselves with people who will follow their shallow little lives.
I do not know Corinna well. But I can see when someone who is open about her illness, is suffering and needing to speak her mind. Kudos for you Corinna for it is far braver to face the effects of a tough decision knowing what that choice could bring to your life than in action.
In my years of journalism I have seen this many times, way too many times. To the mother, i do hope all is well, but it does not take a mother to know or care for a child. The act of child birth alone does not give anyone any special powers of parenthood. I know because I am adopted and was raised by wonderful loving parents.
I pray that none of you ever have to make a decision like the one Corinna made, ever. Before you bash just think hard and long about that. What if it was you? silence for peace or a voice for a child, regardless of what that means to your emotional well being. I will always pick the child, and I am not a mother.
So to the bullies, leave it alone, do not read her posts, stop making comments about her illness of which she had no choice in making.
In closing i heard people say it has been 18 months move on, well OK how many of you still hate a girl or guy from HS, or a uncle, aunt, mother, father, for hurting and not supporting you?
Life leads us in ways we can never predict, it puts decisions in front of us all the time. We make choices, sometimes they are very difficult and painful. Some time they hurt for years. We all heal at our own rate in our own ways and in our own time. Lets just start healing.
February 28th, 2010 at 16:41
No one does what you did lightly. I would think it was a difficult call to make but you did assess it and not just react, so i believe its praiseworthy.
If someone has problem tell them to ask Elizabeth Smart what she thinks about people who just dont want to get involved.
if a private citizen is legitimately concerned and gives a fair assessment to PROFESSIONALS so be it. They are the ones who make decision. You have no qualifications to make the decision but the people you justifiably contatcted did and that the right way to do it.
as a teacher i was a mandated reporter & would be part of the crime if my kids beat up and i dont check it out. I had kids taken out of their homes, ive sent kids to jail for mugging their school mates. Working as a teacher I have been shot at (well more like “shot towards’ but its no fucking fun trust me).
Im pretty damn qualified to say this-
you did the right thing, better safe then sorry w/ children.