A Texas family is in shock over an ordeal involving a six-year-old boy, Child Protective Services and a meddling neighbor. Kari Anne Roy's children had been outside playing at a park across the street from their home, with their mother's permission. Her elder daughter had already returned home, but her six-year-old son remained outside playing and was eventually approached by a neighbor who not only brought him home, but also called the police, resulting in an investigation by CPS. Roy was stunned and embarassed by what ensued.
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"I was humiliated and really angry after that. Really, really angry," Roy told KEYE-TV.
A police officer arrived at the Roy home shortly after the neighbor left and proceeded to question Roy about why her son was outside alone. After explaining to the officer that her son was playing a mere 150 yards from their home and that she could see him from her front porch, the officer left. Several days later, Roy got a call from CPS. They insisted on speaking with each of her three children (the older children are eight and twelve) alone, and proceeded to ask them questions about abuse, pornography and sex. Things Roy believes they had never even thought about prior to the incident.
It's obvious to me that this mother was not neglecting her child–that her children are well cared for and that the neighbor was being unreasonable. Is it honestly not okay for us to let our children play outside on their own? How many of us spent our childhoods outside riding bikes and getting into mischief until the street lights came on or mom yelled for us from down the street that dinner was ready? I hope and pray that this is not what things have come to. As parents, it is our right to decide on rules and boundaries for our children. Yes, it takes a village, but that village needs to consult with mom and dad before they get all in the business. Why couldn't the neighbor simply have asked the boy whether he was supposed to be outside and then gone and confirmed it with his mother if she was so concerned? It's not like he appeared neglected or lost or upset–that would be completely different. And I for one would really not be okay with a stranger approaching my child and bringing him anywhere if he did not appear to be in imminent danger.
By all means, if you've legitimately witnessed a child being abused or the child has been visibly neglected–meaning he appears excessively dirty and unkempt–address the situation. But people, let kids be kids. Don't demolish childhood, because of society's unfounded fears. If you didn't already know, the world is in no way more dangerous today than it was a few decades ago. In fact, child vicitimization rates have decreased drastically since 1970.
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