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Anyone know anything about the history of this law? Why was it written to require protection of kids under age eight indoors, but not outdoors? That does seem odd. Does anyone know the reason? |
Also, can anyone who hasn't lived in or around this area and who is not familiar with the particular attributes of this area stop commenting on whether it's safe for kids to be in this area without an adult. I'm very familiar with the area and I have very strong views on the subject. I also respect the differing views of some of my fellow silver springers and can appreciate why there is disagreement. But folks who have maybe driven through or have vague notions of growing up in a similar area just have no idea what they're talking about (and this goes for both sides of the issue). The national coverage is laughable because it's all based on assumptions and preconceived ideas of the reporter or news outlet covering the story. |
I believe the indoors law bit is intended to protect children who are abandoned in various places. Often abused/neglected children have been discovered inside places having been left alone with no food, diaper changes, water and so forth. Often locked up or afraid to go out and seek help, because of criminal activity occurring amongst the adults. I haven't kept up with the current thinking, but it used to be a "red flag" when kids were never seen outside.
(this would be because the injuries might be noticed) Then, being left in cars while a parent is in a bar drinking or somewhere buying/using drugs would be the reason kids shouldn't have to look after themselves in such situations. |
I forgot to add that locking kids in somewhere while parents leave for days on end is a favorite habit of child abusers. The law specifically mentions 'locked'. |
+1000000 I've had to laugh at some of the coverage (on both sides) - it is so off base! |
http://www.slate.com/articles/life/family/2015/04/neighbors_of_free_range_kids_what_do_you_do_when_you_see_a_kid_alone.html
For locals, this article is enough to drive you bats! It references a parking garage adjacent to the Greyhound Station, but the police report says the kids were picked up at Fenton and Easley which is 4 blocks closer to Elsworth Park (they would not have reached the area of the Greyhound Station yet). There is a parking LOT adjacent to the Greyhound Station and a garage about a block away behind it (tucked behind the Nora School), but in most reports the garage is called the Fenton Street garage which for Silver Springers would not call to mind the lot tucked behind the Nora School which is not on Fenton Street. This article is interesting, but the author needs to firm up her geography and think twice about using so many anonymous sources. It does raise a good point though (hypothetically speaking since I can make no sense of her geography), what would you do if you saw a child entering a parking garage unaccompanied? |
I sincerely hope that it never comes to all of my neighbors gossiping about me in the national media. |
Desperate news day. It would be nice if news organizations hired real reporters vs. bloggers who fact check and report accurately, not just given their personal opinion. |
The author claims to be a local -- in the piece she says she lives and parents in the same Takoma Park/Silver Spring community. Of course, the author tagline at the end says she lives in Washington, DC. |
WaPo has a new article about MoCo and children walking unaccompanied. They also have a copy of a letter written by Montgomery County Council President George Leventhal (D-At Large) and County Council member Marc Elrich (D-At Large) to to county police and human-services officials, asking for clarification of police and CPS procedures, responses to 9/11 calls, etc.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/montgomery-council-seeks-clarity-stemming-from-free-range-debate/2015/04/22/a74fd086-e82e-11e4-9767-6276fc9b0ada_story.html?hpid=z4 |
Thanks for posting this. The 16 questions do not seem to hit on basics that mothers in my neighborhood have discussed: At what age may children play outside without a parent or guardian? At what age can a younger child walk to a park with an older one? |
Just use your brain. A 10 year old, a small park, a quiet neighborhood, a block away, on a non-busy street, ok. A 6 year old, an urban setting, a busy street - not ok. No law is going to spell this out for you, and indeed, should not. |
I don't understand this fear of "urban" neighborhoods. |
There's nothing to fear - as long as you are sensible and don't let your 6 year old walk around alone! |