TOTALLY GEEKED!

Members Login
Username 
 
Password 
    Remember Me  
totallygeeked -> totallygeeked general -> Cops and DFCS called over 8 year old walking her dog
Post Info TOPIC: Cops and DFCS called over 8 year old walking her dog
Lawyerlady


On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

Status: Offline
Posts: 27192
Date:
Cops and DFCS called over 8 year old walking her dog
Permalink  
 

A Chicago-area mother is saying she is being "mom-shamed" when someone in her neighborhood called the police when her 8-year-old daughter was walking the family dog by herself. "I think it's a crazy waste of resources," the girl's mother, Corey Widen, told CBS Chicago.

The little girl at the center of the controversy just recently started walking her dog around the block in Wilmette, a North Shore suburb of Chicago. 

But one of those walks caught the eye of a neighbor, who called police and set off a legal nightmare for the family.

While police never pursued charges, the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) also launched an investigation after someone saw Widen's daughter, Dorothy, on her solo walk.

Shortly after the eight-year-old got home, a Wilmette police officer rang the doorbell.

"I was like really scared," Dorothy said. "I saw the police just there, like the police's car and I heard the like sirens going off."

When asked to describe her reaction when she first saw the police, Widen said, "for a split second I thought maybe it was fundraising." She quickly learned that wasn't the case.

Widen says the officer called to her home by a neighbor who saw her daughter walking alone had left without incident.

"Apparently whoever called the police didn't think the police were a good enough judge of what was OK and not OK. Then they called DCFS. The police did not call DCFS," Widen said.

An investigation was launched and Widen hired an attorney to clear her name. The matter was resolved in less than two weeks, but Widen said she was left with many questions and felt "mom-shamed."

"You never know who did this to you and it turns your life upside down." she said. "I'm a homeschooled mom and I'm always with my kids. You can accuse me of a lot of things, not supervising them, is not one of them. My entire life revolves around them."

As for who will walk Marshmallow the dog in the future, the girl said she wants to keep doing it.

Widen said she's sharing her story because she's learned other mothers have found themselves in similar situations. Widen hopes DCFS will evaluate how and why investigations are launched.

CBS Chicago  reached out to DCFS multiple times for comment on this story, but never received an explanation or statement.



__________________

LawyerLady

 

I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you. 
FNW


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 18703
Date:
Permalink  
 

Helicoptering.

I think it would depend on time of day/night and how far away from home she was at the time. Around the block could mean a mile away, or it could be a small block.

Personally, at that age I was walking around the block all the time. Roller skating, bike riding, walking to see my BFF who lived on the next street over. I did not have to cross a busy street. And at that age I was walking home from school. One mile away, two busy streets with crossing guards.

It is a different world than the one I grew up in, so I would have to know more before thinking this mother was negligent. Based on the little information given, I would have to say the person who called the police was out of line.

__________________

#it's5o'clocksomewhere
TrudyML


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 10458
Date:
Permalink  
 

8 years old? Heck, I was throwing back 40 ozers!













Hehehehe

__________________
Lawyerlady


On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

Status: Offline
Posts: 27192
Date:
Permalink  
 

Well, the other articles said that mom could see her out the window most of the time, that she was trying to teach her independence, and that the caller to the cops and family services said the little girl was 5. That's why the cops did nothing - the girl was 8.

Jojo is 8 and walks our dog all the time. Now we live in the back end of a neighborhood, but still.

__________________

LawyerLady

 

I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you. 
TrudyML


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 10458
Date:
Permalink  
 

Totally stupid. They got the dog because the kids said they'd walk it.

__________________
chef


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 6644
Date:
Permalink  
 

Kids won't learn independence if nosy neighbors won't let them. Can't expect a kid to hit 18 and magically know what to do. Growing up is all about learning what to do.

__________________

~At Gnome in the Kitchen~
Momala


Great cook-happy wife-superb fisherman

Status: Offline
Posts: 4846
Date:
Permalink  
 



If Mom could see her most of the time,
it was a pretty small block. I think
nosy neighbor should get her butt
out of other people's business. And
the neighbor should pay the legal
fees !



__________________
I love helping people
lilyofcourse


My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

Status: Offline
Posts: 38325
Date:
Permalink  
 

I think when cases like this happen, the squealers should be charged with false reporting or something.



__________________

A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.

Charley Harper
Lindley


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 9186
Date:
Permalink  
 

lilyofcourse wrote:

I think when cases like this happen, the squealers should be charged with false reporting or something.

 I was thinking  the same thing, I wonder  if it's a neighbor  who has a vendetta  against  the mother.  

 

  I don't  know if the world  is different  or we have information  overload.  I remember  being taught  not to talk to strangers, never get in a car or even  go near a car of a stranger, look both ways  before  crossing  a street  and I walked  to school  alone at 8 yrs old.

 

  I do agree  that  with what is going on in the world  we have  to take precautions  unfortunately.  I left my kids in the car to run in the store  quickly  but I wouldn't  now.



__________________
Southern_Belle


Nothing's Impossible

Status: Offline
Posts: 16913
Date:
Permalink  
 

I think the squealers name should be disclosed in this case. She's just wasting taxpayer's money.

__________________

A person's a person no matter how small.
I know what to do_sometimes


Frozen Sucks!

Status: Offline
Posts: 24384
Date:
Permalink  
 

Southern_Belle wrote:

I think the squealers name should be disclosed in this case. She's just wasting taxpayer's money.

 I think the PD should use a bit more discretion in cases like this. They know the neighborhood and knows it is a safe, small one.  They should first question the caller first and determine if it's a BS case or not.



__________________

Sometimes you're the windshield, and sometimes you're the bug.

Frozen is the bestest movie ever, NOT!
lilyofcourse


My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

Status: Offline
Posts: 38325
Date:
Permalink  
 

Like in this case, the Police will determine if concern is needed.

DFAC or CPS will grab hold of something and not let it go.

They'll take kids and tie the family up in court for years.

DFAC and CPS are worse than the gestapo.

__________________

A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.

Charley Harper
Lawyerlady


On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

Status: Offline
Posts: 27192
Date:
Permalink  
 

I know what to do_sometimes wrote:
Southern_Belle wrote:

I think the squealers name should be disclosed in this case. She's just wasting taxpayer's money.

 I think the PD should use a bit more discretion in cases like this. They know the neighborhood and knows it is a safe, small one.  They should first question the caller first and determine if it's a BS case or not.

 I think the cops did their job, and did it well.  They determined there was no issue and left.  It's family services that should inquire more.  



__________________

LawyerLady

 

I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you. 
just Czech


Give Me Grand's!

Status: Offline
Posts: 13802
Date:
Permalink  
 

Chicago's social service is ubber liberal, therefore, no one is allowed to make their own choices in life. They get to do that for you. Freakin idiots.

__________________

I drink coffee so I don't kill you.

I quilt so I don't kill you.

Do you see a theme?

Faith isn't something that keeps bad things from happening. Faith is what helps us get through bad things when they do happen.
FNW


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 18703
Date:
Permalink  
 

Am I the only one who is tired of all the laws intruding into our lives? I was thinking about that this morning as I drove to Trader Joe's. Seat belt laws got me going. Ugh. Really? You have to mandate such a thing? I mean, wearing one is not an option in our household because it's the safe thing to do, but really? I was always told to put mine on growing up (before shoulder harnesses were invented) but there were times when it wasn't worn and I didn't have to worry about the gestapo hauling us off to the pokey.

End of rant.

__________________

#it's5o'clocksomewhere
I know what to do_sometimes


Frozen Sucks!

Status: Offline
Posts: 24384
Date:
Permalink  
 

FNW wrote:

Am I the only one who is tired of all the laws intruding into our lives? I was thinking about that this morning as I drove to Trader Joe's. Seat belt laws got me going. Ugh. Really? You have to mandate such a thing? I mean, wearing one is not an option in our household because it's the safe thing to do, but really? I was always told to put mine on growing up (before shoulder harnesses were invented) but there were times when it wasn't worn and I didn't have to worry about the gestapo hauling us off to the pokey.

End of rant.

 I am scared of the intruding laws.  I also am concerned about how when one is enacted no analysis is done to compare to other laws and regulations that are in opposition.  IRS tax; you get a credit for child care expenses up to a certain age, I think 10????  But DCYF will swoop in if you leave a 12 YO alone for two hours after school.



__________________

Sometimes you're the windshield, and sometimes you're the bug.

Frozen is the bestest movie ever, NOT!
FNW


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 18703
Date:
Permalink  
 

YES! OMG! And drinking laws....they are old enough to go to war, but not drink or gamble?

__________________

#it's5o'clocksomewhere
I know what to do_sometimes


Frozen Sucks!

Status: Offline
Posts: 24384
Date:
Permalink  
 

FNW wrote:

YES! OMG! And drinking laws....they are old enough to go to war, but not drink or gamble?

 Exactly



__________________

Sometimes you're the windshield, and sometimes you're the bug.

Frozen is the bestest movie ever, NOT!
just Czech


Give Me Grand's!

Status: Offline
Posts: 13802
Date:
Permalink  
 

I know what to do_sometimes wrote:
FNW wrote:

YES! OMG! And drinking laws....they are old enough to go to war, but not drink or gamble?

 Exactly

 I'm in total agreement on this one too.



__________________

I drink coffee so I don't kill you.

I quilt so I don't kill you.

Do you see a theme?

Faith isn't something that keeps bad things from happening. Faith is what helps us get through bad things when they do happen.
just Czech


Give Me Grand's!

Status: Offline
Posts: 13802
Date:
Permalink  
 

Have any of your kids seen the scary 'Momo' internet challenge? It's aimed at kids and scaring the crap out of them.

It is being shown to little kids in our area and giving them nightmares. DD is afraid to ask her kids about it for fear that they will look it up on youtube.

__________________

I drink coffee so I don't kill you.

I quilt so I don't kill you.

Do you see a theme?

Faith isn't something that keeps bad things from happening. Faith is what helps us get through bad things when they do happen.
I know what to do_sometimes


Frozen Sucks!

Status: Offline
Posts: 24384
Date:
Permalink  
 

Yikes, hadn't heard of it.

__________________

Sometimes you're the windshield, and sometimes you're the bug.

Frozen is the bestest movie ever, NOT!
just Czech


Give Me Grand's!

Status: Offline
Posts: 13802
Date:
Permalink  
 

There is a "Parents Beware" clip on youtube about it. Freaky stuff.

__________________

I drink coffee so I don't kill you.

I quilt so I don't kill you.

Do you see a theme?

Faith isn't something that keeps bad things from happening. Faith is what helps us get through bad things when they do happen.
FNW


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 18703
Date:
Permalink  
 

off to google it...

__________________

#it's5o'clocksomewhere
Lawyerlady


On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

Status: Offline
Posts: 27192
Date:
Permalink  
 

FNW wrote:

Am I the only one who is tired of all the laws intruding into our lives? I was thinking about that this morning as I drove to Trader Joe's. Seat belt laws got me going. Ugh. Really? You have to mandate such a thing? I mean, wearing one is not an option in our household because it's the safe thing to do, but really? I was always told to put mine on growing up (before shoulder harnesses were invented) but there were times when it wasn't worn and I didn't have to worry about the gestapo hauling us off to the pokey.

End of rant.

 I used to work in a court where the judge considered seatbelt laws unconstitutional.  He'd throw out every ticket. So, we started doing plea deals - plead guilty to speeding and we'll drop the seatbelt ticket.  Judge caught on to that and started telling people up front he would dismiss the seatbelt ticket. 



__________________

LawyerLady

 

I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you. 
Lawyerlady


On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

Status: Offline
Posts: 27192
Date:
Permalink  
 

I know what to do_sometimes wrote:
FNW wrote:

Am I the only one who is tired of all the laws intruding into our lives? I was thinking about that this morning as I drove to Trader Joe's. Seat belt laws got me going. Ugh. Really? You have to mandate such a thing? I mean, wearing one is not an option in our household because it's the safe thing to do, but really? I was always told to put mine on growing up (before shoulder harnesses were invented) but there were times when it wasn't worn and I didn't have to worry about the gestapo hauling us off to the pokey.

End of rant.

 I am scared of the intruding laws.  I also am concerned about how when one is enacted no analysis is done to compare to other laws and regulations that are in opposition.  IRS tax; you get a credit for child care expenses up to a certain age, I think 10????  But DCYF will swoop in if you leave a 12 YO alone for two hours after school.

 The child care credit drops off after 12.  And the child tax credit drops off after 16.  They are not adults until they are 18, it's not like you can stop feeding and sheltering them. 



__________________

LawyerLady

 

I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you. 
I know what to do_sometimes


Frozen Sucks!

Status: Offline
Posts: 24384
Date:
Permalink  
 

Lawyerlady wrote:
I know what to do_sometimes wrote:
FNW wrote:

Am I the only one who is tired of all the laws intruding into our lives? I was thinking about that this morning as I drove to Trader Joe's. Seat belt laws got me going. Ugh. Really? You have to mandate such a thing? I mean, wearing one is not an option in our household because it's the safe thing to do, but really? I was always told to put mine on growing up (before shoulder harnesses were invented) but there were times when it wasn't worn and I didn't have to worry about the gestapo hauling us off to the pokey.

End of rant.

 I am scared of the intruding laws.  I also am concerned about how when one is enacted no analysis is done to compare to other laws and regulations that are in opposition.  IRS tax; you get a credit for child care expenses up to a certain age, I think 10????  But DCYF will swoop in if you leave a 12 YO alone for two hours after school.

 The child care credit drops off after 12.  And the child tax credit drops off after 16.  They are not adults until they are 18, it's not like you can stop feeding and sheltering them. 

 Yes but there are so many stories of people, parents, that are charged with neglect due to leaving their 12+ YO at home alone.  And lordy, don't let them walk the dog!



__________________

Sometimes you're the windshield, and sometimes you're the bug.

Frozen is the bestest movie ever, NOT!
Page 1 of 1  sorted by
 
Quick Reply

Please log in to post quick replies.
totallygeeked -> totallygeeked general -> Cops and DFCS called over 8 year old walking her dog


Create your own FREE Forum
Report Abuse 		Powered by ActiveBoard