Mother Goes O/s And Leaves 14yo Alone, What To Do?

[Jodiee]

HI
Does anyone know the legalities of leaving a 14 year old home alone while the mother goes O/S for 10 days? I know of this situation, happening right now (apparently she left yesterday), and cant let it continue, but need to know what to do.
cheers

[catalicious]

I think it might be aloud if someone checks on them daily.

Im not sure though.

[Africamum]

mummy2beagain,

I have no idea on the legalities, IMO you have every right to be concerned. A 14yo is hardly able to be responsible to look after themself for 10 days - although the 14 year old might not agree:confused:

The child is probably ok if all goes well but what happens in the case of emergencies!:shame:

I am sorry I cant offer any advice other than good luck

[Kirstlea]

To me thats a hard call.

I think it depends on the 14 yr olds maturity.

My parents went overseas for a month when I was 15 yo. They sent my brothers and sisters to friends houses and at my request let me look after the house. It was a test for us all, a) could I be trusted and b) was I ready for the real world. I passed :D

At 14 I was working after school in a takeaway shop and on the weekends the owner would let me take care of the shop on my own while he ran errands.

Maybe you could just go and check on him and ask him if he is ok and if he needs anything to just give you a call. You should be able to ascertain whether or not he is coping or freaking out just from a quick face to face conversation.

If all does not appear to be well then call child welfare.

The thing is you need to be sure because if its a similar situation to what I had as a 15 yo I would have been devastated if child welfare had come and taken me away from home at a time when I was been given a chance to prove myself.

Good luck with it, its not an easy place to be

Kirsten

[dannii]

i agree about the maturity of the 14 yo but still they shouldnt be left alone. especially since theyre parents are overseas! its not like they went out for a few hours or even overnight!

there must be some laws against it. surely.

[Tren]

You may not know the whole story. Maybe it was the mothers only option? maybe the teenager has a lot of support with him.?

From my own personal experience to know how the Child Welfare people work and operate in my opinion can just as easily destroy families as to try and save the few that really do need urgent help. I'd have to agree with a previous post that you may do more damage to the family dynamics if you call them.

Please pray hard and think of what you are trying to achieve before you make any sudden actions.

Try and offer your help is a good one.

[Kirstlea]

Hi mummytobeagin

How did you get on with the 14 y/o? I'm just really curious as I was in that situation as the 14 y/o. :)

Kirsten