Neighbor's Child May Be Being Abused

[PandorasBox]

My question involves child abuse or neglect in the State of: Michigan

Of course, I have no proof, and yes, I know kids trip and fall down. Age - I'm no expert with kids, I would guess 2nd grade age.

No date (I thought this was a one time thing, so did not take note). Observed child sitting on the ground in front of our home crying, school bus drove by and he got up and ran for the bus stop. I heard him crying from the 2nd level and looked down. He was gone before I could go outside.



5/30 (Thurs). Approx 4 pm. Child is outside crying again, sitting. Same exact spot as last time, just facing the opposite way (toward his house). I went to check on him. He has dark hair. He has bruises and cuts on his legs. Both upper arms are red as if he has been grabbed by someone with both hands.

He led me to his home. His mother was waiting outside, no move to come get her son. He was trusting enough to hold my hand as we walked to his home.

I asked mom if another kid was beating her son up, due to all the cuts and bruises I observed. She replied, oh that would be his brother. I mentioned he had been crying outside of our home about a week ago. She said he’s been doing the sitting down and crying thing for a few weeks now.

Mother stated he was upset because he wanted ice cream at a friends house and she would not let him any because he had a dental appointment. (so why was he down the street anyway?)

Am I right to think something is going on there?
I'm guessing next time, again go to the kid and if I observe more bruising, call DCF? Since it's 4 homes down I don't want to be too obvious about who is reporting.

I also need to take a casual walk later in order to get the house number.

Any advice?

[aardvarc]

At a moment when the child is physically there (in the area, like outside waiting for the bus) and you notice injuries, 911 is the fastest way to get immediate response - just say that you're a neighbor and the child has been seen again with possible injuries consistant with abuse. Police officers on scene with a child with possible abuse injuries will get a response from child services immediately.

If the child isn't around, a report to social services can be made, understanding that the response time will be substantially (think a couple of days, usually) longer.

Either way, you can remain anonymous.

[PandorasBox]

Thanks. I am keeping a journal now that there has been the second incident. I'm waiting til tomorrow to grab the address, so it does not look like I'm doing so.