Letter to 'Concerned' Reporters - Before you Make That Call

Dear Neighbour, Friend, teacher, brother, fellow parent or even onlooker - as I slowly but surely regain my strength and look on to normalcy, I have decided to use these last couple of hours of my deep reflections to draw your attention to a most pressing issue.

You see for years you've observed that young lad in school and noticed his grades dropping; or that little girl always playing out on her own. You could've heard voices raised, and screams, or you could've noticed the guardians are never in the picture.

I know what you do, you do out of concern. I know you think you care, and the best solution is to make that call - To get the all loving, extraordinary caseworkers from CPS alleying your fears. But don't, do not make that call. Do not ever make that call without being sure.

For you see that parent you accuse of watching her little children play alone may be watching, eagle eyed from a distance. Those you accuse of neglect may be the most dedicated of parents, only unfavoured by circumstance. You see not everything is as it seems, and not everyone that appears guilty really is.

Once you make that call however, it's over. You've sentenced that potentially innocent family to at best a couple of years of harassment, abuse and financial burden. At worst, you've potentially destroyed the lives of little child and their parents, who may never recorver.

I urge you not to make that call. Do not call CPS. If you must, let your concern show by going the extra mile to investigate and confirm your suspicion. If you really care, it will be a small price to pay.

I hope you're listening, and you agree. I hope you'll take everything I've said in good faith. Trust me, the burden of potentially destroying an innocent family is a great one to shoulder.