Question: Is it considered child neglect to allow your 17 year old to live alone in a house and attend a private high school? The parents live out of state. The teen is a popular athlete hosting and serving alcohol to minors at parties.This has happened repeatedly over the course of 14 months.
Recently two classmates were arrested for possession of marijuana at one of his parties. Alcohol consumption is excessive- drinking games, shots, kegs etc. Parents of teen think that it is a good growing experience for their child to live alone. Us parents are very upset that this kind of environment is readily and routinely available to their teen, let alone our kids.
We just want the parent to either come back until graduation or have him live with another family. He is basically a good kid. We are all actively educating and talking about substance abuse with our kids. This is very scary when this kind of temptation, other parent endorsement, and availability is in their 24/7 environment. Other than us parents talking with the parents, is there anything the private school or community services/agencies can do to move this situation into a healthier zone?
Thank you,
Donna
Dear Donna: Parents are legally responsible for their children until they turn 18 years of age.
You write:
1. Teen is a popular athlete hosting and serving alcohol to minors at parties.
2. This has happened repeatedly over the course of 14 months.
3. Recently two classmates were arrested for possession of marijuana at one of his parties.
4. Alcohol consumption is excessive- drinking games, shots, kegs etc.
Does someone have to be killed and/or raped before anyone thinks this is a bad arrangement? Of course this needs to be reported immediately before something horrible happens. How much sex do you all think is going on over there during these parties? Anyone want to be grandparents soon?
As an experienced Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist I can assure you the stats of teen rape, pregnancy, alcohol poisoning, drug overdoses and car crashes related to underage consumption are staggering!
You will be saving someone’s life by reporting this family. Besides the other adults who know and do nothing could be held accountable if something tragic happens and they do not report. I would report to Social Services and call the police EVERYTIME there is a party there. Tragic deaths cannot be undone.
Sincerely,
M Kay Keller
