Feasability of a 10 year old girl running away.

[neison71]

When I was a child, and even when my children were young, the idea of a 10 year old running away from home was remote, really unheard of.  There is a 10 year old girl missing in North Coroling, last seen early Sat am (2:30a)
IN HER BED. In todays world, would the police automatically assume this little one may be a run-away?
Do kids this age run away from home in these times?  I'm really concerned for her and would like to hear what parents of kids this age have to say. Thanks

[neison71]

There are lot's of reason's why people are afraid to get involved these days. In bad neighborhoods, folks have a legitimate fear if they speak...they could lose their own lives for it. But in the case of child abuse you can remain anonymous and appear
innocent to the people you are preporting.In my case the risk was never seeing my daughter or grandaught again out of retribution and anger and even hate. But when you hear a baby screaming in pain because they aren't getting medical care (in her case she would get so constipated, that stool had to be removed manually from her...having been a nurse for many years I know how painful this is. But the risk of NOT doing it is a bowel obstruction whick could be fatal. There really was no choice.
Regarding these self-righteous people who only now come forward, I hope they get wind of societal disapproval of their lack of acting.  They really should have to live with the consequences of their inaction....harsh I know, but that's how I feel.
Mary

[mammo]

I applaud you for doing this!  It takes great love to do what is best for a helpless child, and I'm happy your daughter now understands.  We need to report anything unusual where children are concerned.  I was in a local fast food restaurant when I heard a chair fall over.  The restaurant was packed and everyone watched as a man dragged a little boy on the ground by his arm out to the car.  I was the only one to run after him and get the license plate number.  The police tracked the man down and told me the boy was safe with his mother and the man in jail.  I got a phone call from the chief thanking me again for getting involved, saying they wished more people would.  I cannot understand how people knew of this abuse and didn't intervene, who are they thinking of, definitely not this little girl.  Her life was miserable and now this, when it didn't have to happen.  So sad.

[neison71]

I read today that the search has been called off for this child. It has become a homicide investigation. The step-mother admitted to writing the ransom note that was found.
This is so horribly trajic. ) :

[neison71]

I found news articles about her today as well. A family member said that she was severly disciplined and only allowed out of her room for about 5 minutes to eat then locked back in. She had bone cancer....so very painful. Cadaver dogs picked up the set of human remains at the house and in the family car. The step-mom seems to be the suspect.
This is so very sad and sickening.
Family members and neighbors who knew of this abuse shouldn't be talking about it now, they should have intervened long ago. We may well not be reading about her today had they done the right thing. I do know how hard it is to report a family member to protective services.
I had to report my own daughter. There was a time that she was severly addicted to methadone, and she and her husband were drinking heavily. Their child, a baby at the time needed medical attention desperately. I gave my daughter ample warning and opportunit to get her baby the help she needed, she didn't however, so I did report her.
It took a while (really till she was off the alcohol and methadone) until she finally understood. Before that she'd ask why'd you do that you *****. I'd simply say the baby needed help and you wouldn't ge ***. She couldn't argue with that, so she kept her mouth shut.
You do what you have to do, especially when children are involved. ) :