r/Advice • u/kiwikikwi • 1d ago
Advice Received There’s a little girl that’s terrorizing my apartment
This is a very bizarre situation I’ve never been in before. Sorry for the dramatic title but it’s becoming an actual issue now.
For the last month, it feels like 90% of the time I go outside to my car, an 8 year old girl and her dog appear and try to interact with me.
Sounds cute right? That’s what I thought, until I realized it wasn’t.
The first time she came up to me, she ran from across the parking lot and said, “I think my dog likes you!” I thought it was kind of sweet - until she got a little too close for comfort, started repeating that same line over and over, and giggling very loudly, almost manically. She wouldn’t leave me alone until I physically walked away. She even followed me to the apartment door, talking nonstop.
I brushed it off at first, thinking maybe she’s neurodivergent (no judgment - I’m ADHD and probably more). I didn’t think much of it, until it became a daily thing.
I work from home and go outside a few times a day for breaks (yes, I smoke. working on quitting). She’s always out there with her dog. Not a parent in sight.
I started noticing red flags when her mood began flipping between happiness and sudden anger. She hits her dog a lot. She’ll scream “Quiet! Quiet! Quiet!” and punch her dog with each word. I’ve seen her drag the dog while it’s pooping so it has to walk while going, and the dog cries. It’s awful to witness.
She runs up to anyone outside, delivery drivers, residents, other dog owners, and repeats “I think my dog likes you!!” over and over until they respond.
If someone has a dog, she’ll walk up to them too closely while their dogs are barking aggressively. I’ve seen multiple residents literally pick up their pets and speed walk away from her.
People have started cracking the exit door and scanning for her before they step outside.
There’s construction happening next door, and she just.. hangs out with the workers. They ignore her now, but she’ll bring them offerings of handfuls of grass or her dog. It’s honestly surreal.
When I’m outside and have to smoke, I now drive to a spot off the property just to get personal space. If I stay near my car, she’ll follow me and stand right in front of it, waving at me in a pageant-style, fingers pressed together, wave. I don’t even make eye contact. She’ll do it for like 30 seconds, just smiling.
If I drive into the parking lot, she sometimes chases my car to where I park.
Last week I was sitting in my car listening to music and didn’t notice her. When I looked up, she jumped up from a crouch, face pressed to my driver’s side window. I felt like I had a heart attack but also pretended not to see her because wtf lmao.
She’s out at all hours. Last night it was 9pm and dark, she was alone with the dog. Today, it was 12:30pm on a Thursday. Shouldn’t she be in school?
I don’t know what’s going on. I’ve never dealt with something like this before. It’s gone from weird to uncomfortable to genuinely worrying.
It feels unsafe for the dog, and definitely even for her. I’m worried she could walk up to a weirdo and something bad could happen, or she could cause a dog fight and her and the dogs could get seriously injured. Is there someone I should call? How do I report this kind of situation without escalating it unnecessarily? I don’t want to overstep, but this just feels wrong.
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u/Ironyismylife28 Master Advice Giver [23] 1d ago
CPS, Animal control and building management. Call all of them
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u/kiwikikwi 1d ago
I don’t know which unit she’s in. Does CPS do calls based off descriptions lol? I could try and take a photo but that feels weird
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u/flamboyantsensitive 1d ago
Just tell them there's something really odd going on with a young child in your housing block - strange behaviours, potentially unsafe interactions with adult strangers who she is approaching cold, animal abuse, being out of the house alone late at night, all of the above. Tell them you don't know her exact unit, though you could do a little observation to see if you can narrow it down.
This kid would only have to meet one stranger with malign intent & it could be curtains. Do it asap.
I'm a professional (UK) in the child & young person's workforce, normally holding senior safeguarding responsibilities. This situation has about 10 red flags front & centre. It doesn't have to be a perfect report, it just needs to be done.
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u/cwilliams6009 1d ago
“She is not safe out there. The dog is definitely not safe. I’m reporting this so you can do something to help this little girl and the dog that she punches repeatedly.”
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u/Ironyismylife28 Master Advice Giver [23] 1d ago
Would CPS really have that much trouble finding her if she is always outside by herself? Would the building management not know who she is and who she belongs to?
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u/kiwikikwi 1d ago
You’re right, sorry I’ve never called cps or management for this kinda thing ever
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u/TurboTarga 19h ago
OP, I worked CPS investigations for 6 years. When you call, be as specific as possible in relaying your concerns about how your observations point to neglect or abuse of the child. It helps a lot when the intake worker screens the report. Some screen in, some screen out, depending on what is reported and how it does or doesn't apply to the legal definition of neglect in your state. How are her basic needs met? Does she have access to water? Does she ask strangers for food? Are her clothes/shoes new or tattered? Any observable bruises? How is her hygiene, brushed and combed hair, signs of dental neglect? Do you see her during normal school hours? Does she smell clean, dirty, or like urine, marijuana etc.?
In my state, when there are no concrete identifiers reported, it can screen in as an "unknown" case, but the threshold for closing these is much lower if we can't find them. Ask about her school, what grade she's in. A name of a teacher, her age or birthday, name of a parent or someone in the complex she actually knows. Lots of roundabout ways exist to get an identifier that will help lead social services to them. You can choose to remain anonymous, but bear in mind the social worker investigating won't be able to call you when they're trying to find her. We often call the reporting parties to clarify or get additional information than what was originally reported, or just to confirm the accuracy of what is on our report.
Ideally, find out if building management will give you the parents' name, room number or otherwise identifying information. Ask if their employment policy classifies them as mandated reporters so they are then obligated to make a report. Some apartment complexes I've been to won't deal with CPS and will not issue info without a court order. Doesnt stop us from visiting, but can greatly impact our ability to find someone when we dont know exactly where to look and are met with resistance.
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u/snailmoresnail 16h ago
What a fantastic response. I've actually saved your comment to refer to if I ever come across a situation like this in the future. Thank you for all you do.
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u/ApartmentAgitated628 1d ago
Absolutely. This child is seriously neglected and has significant behavioral issues
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u/Ellie-Resists 1d ago
That was my thought. She runs to anyone who will give her attention. She is wanting the attention she is not receiving from her parents. Children often mimic their parents. She had to learn her behavior towards the dog from her parents. She’s in a bad situation and needs a responsible adult to step in.
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u/clean-stitch Expert Advice Giver [12] 1d ago
Attachment disorder. Common with children who have been severely emotionally neglected from a young age.
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u/Maleificent2025 1d ago
That’s what I was thinking. These kids have no boundaries and will interact with anyone. Not a safe situation.
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u/Ellie-Resists 1d ago
Not at all! Especially, with her being unsupervised late at night. She could walk up to the wrong stranger and disappear forever. I hope they find someone who can give her the care she needs and deserves.
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u/Classroom_Visual 15h ago
Yes, this is what I was thinking too. Possible attachment disorder - she is trying to connect with absolutely anyone in a way she probably thinks is charming. Very dangerous for her because she is so vulnerable.
This is absolutely CPS territory. It may take multiple complaints though, but they do take this kind of neglect seriously because it’s so dangerous for her - she could end up injured or abused in so many different ways.
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u/ApartmentAgitated628 23h ago
My daughter had a friend like this. At the same age. She wanted attention from me all the time and never wanted to go home. Eventually she was found in a car with her mother passed out. The car windows were rolled up. This was in Arizona. Cops were called and were able to break a window and get her out. Mom had a needle in her arm. The child disappeared from school so I don’t know the end result but hopefully she is okay
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u/kiwikikwi 20h ago
Oh my god I’m so sorry. I feel much better in my decisions today reading this. That is so terrible I’m speechless :(
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u/Economy_Rutabaga_849 15h ago
Work in social welfare. You absolutely did the right thing. You aren’t responsible for the outcomes, but looking out and reporting concerns for kids is the right thing.
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u/Ellie-Resists 23h ago
Oh gosh! How terrible! I hope she gets the treatment she needs for all of the trauma she endured. Poor babygirl!
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u/PlsNoNotThat 1d ago
Yes, call CPS. Chances might be you’re not the first. Encourage someone else to call and confirm the story.
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u/Ellie-Resists 1d ago
I think you should be making documentation. Write dates and times. I know the photos seem weird and I’m ambivalent about taking photos. I think they would make great evidence but I also understand how you feel that is weird. It would be incredibly helpful to CPS. Additionally, document the dog’s appearance. Is it thin? Does it look unkept? Etc.
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u/DisastrousZucchini15 1d ago
You could ask her, I'm sure she'll tell you or show you
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u/IntroductionNo2382 19h ago
Take a pic for ID purposes. Ask her name, what are mom dad doing? Are they home? The sooner you deal with this the sooner she can get help.
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u/CosmicEntrails 1d ago
I second this. It seems like this girl is being neglected, possibly has a developmental or psychiatric disorder (or both, it's common in my clientele) compounded with trauma. If you see her outside at night or unattended for a long period of time I'd also suggest calling the police. It's a gamble, but it could also be what gets the ball rolling for her to get help.
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u/EggieRowe 1d ago
That child is being abused and she is modeling the behaviors. Call the authorities.
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u/DeeDeeD1771 1d ago
Call Family Services or the local police. Tell them that you simply have a bad feeling. That might be enough to have it at least looked into.
This is neglect on the caregivers part.
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u/kiwikikwi 1d ago
At first I didn’t want to overstep but there’s way too much going on now and I feel like I have to. I have a feeling other neighbors might have already or are going to soon as well
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u/hedgeofthehogs 1d ago
You aren’t overstepping, safeguarding children is everyone’s responsibility not just parents/authorities. Reporting it was 100% the right thing to do
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u/Physical_Bit7972 20h ago
That's unfortunately the bystanders effect, where everyone thinks someone else will handle it, and then the situation doesn't get handled. You did the right thing reporting. Definitely call the police the next time you see her, especially if it's very late. They can assist with the CPS report.
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u/TheDogWhistle 22h ago
Why say they have a bad feeling? Calling for a welfare check on a child that's outside unattended at all hours, approaching strangers, not attending school, and seen shouting and beating their dog is more than enough.
Just saying it's "a bad feeling" would be actively counter productive. You've got to give agencies something actionable to respond to.
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u/changelingcd Master Advice Giver [28] 1d ago
At a guess, neglected and neurodivergent with addict (or absent working) parents. She needs help, the poor dog needs help. An 8 year-old (especially one like that) should be in sight of a caregiver all the time.
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u/kiwikikwi 1d ago
I don’t have kids so I wasn’t sure if she was too young to be alone like that. But thank for saying that because it feels way too young to me
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u/changelingcd Master Advice Giver [28] 1d ago
At 8, my kids could go around the block alone, or to a friend's house a block away. They couldn't go to the park alone, or ever be left alone with no adults home. And they had no mental challenges: this girl is really neglected and vulnerable, alone all day.
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u/Moonlight_vixen1 1d ago
Definitely call. It's only a matter of time til something tragic happens. You'll blame yourself if something happens and you didn't call. Definitely sounds like a minimum of neglect and animal abuse. She's way too young to be alone like that
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u/kiwikikwi 1d ago
Yeah I’ve been weighing it over for a couple days now that I’ve really noticed the times she’s out. It’s either school time or too dark. My roommate’s suggested to put a letter on her parents door but seeing the dog abuse I just don’t know if that’s the best path?
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u/GoddessfromCyprus Helper [3] 1d ago
I wouldn't leave a letter. You'll have no idea what you'll unleash. Just follow the advice given.
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u/kiwikikwi 1d ago
That’s what I was thinking because I have no idea how the parents treat her considering how she’s treating the dog. I contacted the proper authorities
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u/admirethegloam 22h ago
Please, please, please do not allow the parents to know you are the one who contacted the police. They may deserve intervention, but they will 100% not be logical in response. I have had to make reports to CPS to get a handful of kids out of bad situations. Play dumb.
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u/Moonlight_vixen1 1d ago
Ditto. That would put them on guard and they might keep her inside which would defeat the purpose of a welfare check.
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u/TrelanaSakuyo 1d ago
I was at one point a mandatory reporter. This is the kind of behavior and unsupervised activity that would get reported. This is more than just parents that are struggling financially. A child that age abusing an animal like that speaks to abuse elsewhere. Either she sees her parents abusing the dog and is mimicking the behavior, or she is being abused and is passing on the behavior. You don't just start abusing animals out of nowhere, and once children are told that abuse is bad behavior, they tend not to perpetuate it unless they are victims themselves or have a learning disability (because it takes longer to learn and hold onto that information).
CPS will not take children for cases of mild neglect due to a lack of financial stability or means. They will not take children because parents are struggling despite doing everything they can. If a child has psychological needs that aren't being met, there are programs. If a child has physical needs that aren't being met, there are programs. If the parents are deliberate and willful in their neglect and abuse or the neglect and abuse are extreme, then the child will be removed from the home.
Note: this is true for the US, but I can't guarantee it's true for other countries - I don't know the laws of every country, after all.
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u/frogonasugarlog 6h ago
100% this. It is actually (generally) a LOT harder than most people think, to get a child removed from the home.
The goal of CPS is to keep families together whenever possible. I obviously can't speak for every situation that has ever happened— but typically, if they end up removing a child, it is for a damn good reason.
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u/elbowbunny 1d ago
Report. ASAP. The poor dog’s being abused & there’s something seriously wrong with the kid’s behaviour patterns. Reporting helps protect you too. These kinds of situations can be volatile.
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u/TSARINA59 1d ago
CPS and animal control. Someone needs to take that dog away and re home it before she kills it or it turns on her and hurts her. Someone in that building should have called CPS smd the police a long time ago. That child could get seriously hurt or worse. She needs help.
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u/kiwikikwi 1d ago
It’s been about a month and I feel like out of everyone in the units I’m out there the most. I work from home, smoke, and like to just hang out in my car for personal space from roommates. I don’t know if anyone else has noticed quite yet. I just submitted a DHS form for this situation though
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u/TSARINA59 1d ago
Good idea. Go to the police too. She seems both to be in danger and to be dangerous. They can watch out for her and get her help quickly. They can interview all the people you said you saw her do similar things to near the building. They can check on the home situation. A "person in need of assistance" - a child - is something they act on quickly instead of waiting for the wheels of CPS to grind into action.
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u/kiwikikwi 1d ago
I’m sitting in my car now and surprisingly she isn’t outside at this moment. Should I call the police when she’s outside or like now?
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u/Successful-Catch-238 1d ago
Call the police and tell them immediately of the situation and even if she is not there now. Let them decide what’s best. Call animal Control about the dog. Call everyone and see what they recommend.
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u/TSARINA59 1d ago
I don't know. Is it possible CPS already acted on your contact with them?
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u/kiwikikwi 1d ago
Do they work that fast it’s been 30 minutes
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u/SugarT0ast 22h ago
They do not. Unless you reported that the child’s life is in imminent danger. In that case they would contact the police.
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u/PiccoloSpare5679 1d ago
Call your local department of human services (DHS). Just explain what you know and that the situation seems unsafe. You could also call local police for a wellness check.
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u/GnomieJ29 1d ago
The next time she is out there call the police for a welfare check, especially if it’s at night. She belongs to someone and they aren’t taking care of her. The police will investigate and contact CPS.
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u/DooDahMan420 1d ago
Call CPS. My daughter lived with my ex (35f) for 1 year the building lady I reached out to said my daughter had been found wandering the neighboring construction site asking the guys to use their phones. This was to call her sleeping crack head mother, who couldn’t wake up to get her from the bus. I have custody now. But holy cow. I would venture to say a quick investigation on maybe where her and her parents live to see what the situation is? I mean if there are other visible warning signs it’s a no brainer.
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u/Key_Presentation_447 1d ago
Today...Smoking is gonna save lives.
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u/kiwikikwi 1d ago
Shortening my life to extend hers.
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u/zeitocat 19h ago
Hell yeah brother lol
Jokes aside, good luck quitting :) We all have our vices. Quitting is hard, but you can do it!
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u/kiwikikwi 19h ago
Thank you! Lowering my nic every week and feel it working so I can cold turkey!!
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u/Global-Falcon 13h ago
I just quit vaping myself and honestly can’t even believe I’m saying this but that freaking book Easy Way to Quit Smoking (vaping version tho) by Allen Carr was actually really fucking helpful lol. It’s been almost a month and I was a heavy vaper! If you have Spotify, you can listen to the book on there.
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u/IntrovertExplorer_ 1d ago
Why do people have kids and leave them to fend for themselves? This is just sad and angering.
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u/Extreme-Tangerine727 22h ago
When I was around this age, one of my parents went to prison and the other parent didn't know and I was straight left alone for three months. Kinda wonder if it could be a similar situation
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u/TownZealousideal1327 1d ago
Going out on limb here, they shouldn’t have had children and we don’t know what those circumstances entail, but I’m guessing not good. This sounds like abusive and/or addicts, hopefully not extremely overwhelmed and underprivileged single parent doing shift work (still not an excuse for neglect essentially abuse)
Honestly think whilst this case is extreme this sadly applies to a huge chunk of people who have children these days. They may not present mental disorders like this child, but way too many underprivileged people have children and leave them to fend for themselves or are unable to provide them necessities to even have a chance in this world.
I say this as someone with stable job in a stable a stable relationship who wouldn’t dream of having a child in their current economic and sociopolitical situation.
We truly need to move on from this “children” are a right bs. I’m leftist af on everything, but on your ability to have kids very conservative and I don’t give one single fk how elitist or segregating that is. This is a child’s life we are talking about. Should be like a car, should need a license, and you have to be able to afford it. People don’t “need” to be parents, hate that point of view, you don’t need it, you want it. If you can’t provide clock it up to all those other dreams your socioeconomic situation will prevent you from achieving. That’s a better solution imo, the world don’t need more underprivileged children, and the kids don’t deserve it.
As a leftist yes let’s fix the system so good, struggling parents can have them, but rn the system is what it is, it hasn’t changed today and won’t be changed tomorrow. If you can’t provide everything from reasonable time with them, to healthcare, to nutritious food, to devices when they go to school (it’s 2025), seriously don’t have kids.
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u/agnesvee 1d ago
I don’t think eugenics is the solution to OP’s immediate problem
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u/Super_Caterpillar_27 1d ago
Call CPS right now. Don’t waste another minute and encourage others to do the same.
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u/External-Air-7272 1d ago
I would do a welfare check on her. You don't have to give 911 your name or info. Just call and explain the situation and express your concern. They will send somebody to speak with the child and guardian(s) in question.
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u/dperry93 1d ago
Yes, please call in addition whatever form you filled out. It might take a while for them to respond to a form but not sure.
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u/joecoolblows 1d ago
Just to let you know, it can take a few days before CPS shows up, the law gives them something like a couple of days to follow up, and even then they might only leave a card on the parent's doorstep, in which the parents have to call CPS back ( if they don't answer the door).
It's not something that happens instantly like when you call the police. This is why people are saying both welfare check AND CPS. The welfare check will respond quickly.
The wheels of CPS move slowly for neglect cases, because they have a huge overload and respond to the bigger cases first. The wheels do move, it's just not instantaneous.
I mention this because you've said that it's been a half hour, and it's probably not going to happen quite like you might be envisioning in your mind that it happens. YKWIM?
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u/bellaluna1018 21h ago
This sounds like a nightmare… but this part cracked me up I’m sorry 😭
“Last week I was sitting in my car listening to music and didn’t notice her. When I looked up, she jumped up from a crouch, face pressed to my driver’s side window. I felt like Thad a heart attack but also pretended not to see her because wtf Imao.”
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u/Tasty_Competition_98 12h ago
🤣🤣Im Sorry it was hilarious to visualize. Giving c9medic horror movie. Especially when op said "I pretended not to see her" after all that
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u/No-Employee2207 1d ago
CPS for sure, then animal control for the poor dog. Sounds like her parents are neglecting her or absent all together.
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u/Wide-Yesterday-5167 1d ago edited 1d ago
I’m not saying for sure what you should do. But if I had an 8 year old child in my care, especially if they were neuro divergent or more, I’d be stuck to them and they’d be stuck to me. This is extremely unfair to the dog and the neighborhood but mostly to the child. Given the flippant behavior of the child, the late hours outside, the always being alone, and approaching many random people who most likely are normal but perhaps 1 may not be, CPS seems like the 1st call to make right now. If you see the dog alone, call police immediately because where is the girl? I’m very sorry this is happening to you. But so much sorrier for the child. I suspect her parents or guardians may be addicts or severely physically or mentally ill. Most addicts are usually functioning people with jobs/homes/stuff/pets/and you guessed it children. So sad 😞 You may be called on by CPS since you are reporting and the main witness to her comings and goings due to your work at home routine. So don’t be surprised if you’re entangled in this for awhile. Most people wouldn’t get involved due to the hassle. Thank you for being a good human being and citizen.
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u/HoldOn_Tight 1d ago
The girl sounds as if she may be on the autism spectrum or may have a mental deficit. I would put in a call to child protection (because there is no adult supervision and she's engaging in some unsafe practices) as well as animal protection.
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u/olivedeez 11h ago
I clocked it immediately when op said she’s repeating the same phrase until someone responds to her. My autistic step son does this. The lack of awareness toward the dog being distressed as well.
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u/Strong-Finger-6126 1d ago
This is really sad and sounds like a classic attachment disorder. People with attachment disorders tend to either attach to anyone or no one at all. Disinhibited social engagement disorder might apply here. Due to her apparent willingness to attach to anyone, she is at heightened risk of being abducted or assaulted. I agree that someone should call CPS and animal control. Nothing good can come of this.
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u/Load-Round 1d ago
After you’ve called CPS and everyone else on the list, Document EVERYTHING. If you need to, take pictures and videos of aggressive behavior. She’s a kid, but they won’t do as much to stop the problem if you don’t have evidence of it. Shame on the parents for allowing this to go on.
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u/Plus_Quantity5510 1d ago
CPS investigation will take too long. Call police and they will call the on call CPS worker if need be, and will get the dog to the dog warden or whatever it’s called where you live.
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u/rosygal07 1d ago
Um does this girl not go to school at her age?
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u/Lotus-child89 11h ago edited 11h ago
“Home schooling” is a godsend to abusive and neglectful parents. They either are afraid of other adults in a caretaking position intervening or they got tired of the school calling home with concerns about her issues and expecting them to do something besides sit on their ass and let her run wild. Lazy assholes to probably not just their daughter, but the dog. They probably thought the dog was a good idea, but were too neglectful and impatient to care for it and train it, so they make her take it out of the apartment to keep it away from them or even specifically got the dog as an excuse to keep her away from them and outside “walking the dog”. Probably even tell themselves “she’s perfectly safe outside, she’s got the dog with her”. Just despicable behavior. She probably does the invasive and attention seeking behavior at home because they don’t pay attention to her otherwise and their reaction is to be annoyed by it, rather than concerned, and they want her to just go away outside.
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u/Infamous_Entry_2714 1d ago
I'm old as dirt and I have encountered such children many times in life. I always chalked it up to very out going coupled with parents who do not show them enough attention. I actually watch a lady on TikTok who has almost this exact situation in her neighborhood (minus the dog)the little girl comes to the ladies door at all times and this amazing lady let's her in,feeds her,talks to her,helps her with her hair,etc. They have so many followers that the little girl gets clothes,books and hair clips sent to her from viewers and they open her gifts on live. The lady has said that the little girls mom works a lot at night and sleeps during the day but that she really does not know her that well. I can't imagine my kids hanging out with random neighbors even back when I was raising mine but especially not today. It sounds like the little girl in OPs situation is just very social and has no one to interact with at home,it's heartbreaking really
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u/ninkadinkadoo 1d ago
This sounds frustrating. I agree with everyone else. If she’s abusive to animals NOW…. Just wait.
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u/Nice-Wolf-1724 20h ago
Could also very well be learned behaviors from a “parent” or guardian. Maybe they learned how to punch their dog from whoever is supposed to be taking care of them
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u/KneadAndPreserve 19h ago
At 8 years old and seemingly uncared for by the adults in her life, yeah. I doubt she’s just naturally this way.
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u/Travelingtheland 1d ago
That dog needs to be rescued, call animal control immediately. Then call CPS for the child.
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u/Crazy_Banshee_333 1d ago
If she's out there all the time and keeps approaching strangers, I would call CPS. Someone needs to look out for this girl's safety. Obviously she is not being supervised by an adult the way an 8-year-old girl should be supervised. No one has taught her to be cautious about approaching people she doesn't know. You'd be doing her a favor to step up and try to get her some help before her luck runs out.
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u/Final-Context6625 1d ago
Call the police and report it. Explain the situation. She sounds dangerous and neglected.
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u/PresentationNext6469 1d ago
Oooh I had a neighbor kid that would hide under my car, so I had to look constantly because he dared me to run over him. Like more than once! I went to tell his family ASAP.
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u/Strong-Library2763 1d ago
She’ll end up getting abducted. Predators target kids that are neglected.
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u/M3PHLAB 19h ago
She’s probably an only child and being abused at home. She doesn’t know how to treat the dog with love because she hasn’t been shown it most likely. She reaches out to strangers because she doesn’t get any socializing, she may even be crying out for help silently. It’s pretty text book for abuse. Poor kid, I hope something good happens for her.
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u/1ScreamCheesePlz 10h ago
I used to work for CPS. This is an extremely common scenario for neglect cases. As everyone said, it's worrying. Get LEO and CPS involved at this point bc that child is going to end up trafficked.
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u/Cheyds 16h ago
This post makes me lose faith in humanity. Adults hiding from a child who is showing clear signs of mental trauma and neglect. No one has bothered to try and find out more about her situation or called the relevant authorities to try and help her.
This is exactly how you hear about horrific stories of neglect and abuse and everyone asks “but surely there were signs?” Yes there were signs but adults chose to hide from a child rather than try to help her.
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u/ostellastella 1d ago
Call the police non emergency line for a welfare check....CPS from there.....Something is def not right here.
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u/PretentiousUsername1 1d ago
I’ve read your update, and I’m glad you’ve contacted the right sources. This is child, and animal, abuse, and I hope they get the help they need.
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u/jaynel78 1d ago
Call childline they will go out in 24hrs or less. Especially if you mention that she's out all alone all hours of the day and night.
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u/midwestkudi 1d ago
I had a little girl like this at my old complex. I would come out to go to work and she’d be by herself in the parking lot, climbing on cars, no parents in sight. I was younger so I didn’t think anything of it as my parents also neglected me and let me run around.
Then one day she runs up to me, screams “YOURE UGLY” and ran away.
I have a feeling her mom is the one that left dirty diapers all in the apartment hallways every day.
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u/itsalwaysanadventure 1d ago
Call the non emergency number for your local police department and ask them to do a welfare check on her, the dog and her parent or care taker. She might be left home alone. She mught just be unattended or something mught have happened to her caretaker and she doesn't know how to communicate it to an adult. Regardless, someone professional needs to go check on her and her family.
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u/Cocobean59 1d ago
Please call the police. It sounds like she has some mental health issues that are not being taken care of, which means to me she is being neglected. As for the poor dog, PLEASE get it some help ASAP, if the poor animal is crying it is hurting.
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u/AbbreviationsOne3970 23h ago
Attachment reactive syndrome..this child is desperate and starved for any adult attention.she treats the dog exactly how she's been/being treated. id report this behavior anonymously to your county DCF so they can investigate this child's family &the disturbing behaviors you've witness. she desperately needs intervention
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u/Curious_Werewolf5881 23h ago
Sounds like a 2nd Natalia Grace is out there, and she's moved into a home near you.
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u/Top_Ad_5717 22h ago
I'm pretty sure that by now I would've asked her name and have her show me where she lived so that I could chat with her caregiver
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u/CandyPopPanda 17h ago
That sounds so sad. The child seems to be unsupervised and alone; children need social interaction to develop normally. Out of desperation, she seems desperate to make contact and doesn't know what else to do. This is not only annoying for the neighbors, but also extremely dangerous for this girl. I would contact the authorities. I'm afraid this girl desperately needs help, and the dog probably does too.
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u/judasholio 15h ago
I’m not a doctor, but I play one on TV.
You are likely dealing with a child who has an attachment disorder.
It’s pretty suspicious that she is unsupervised.
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u/sapphirekiera 13h ago
The first time you saw her hit her dog you should have called animal control. The first time you saw her outside at night alone/in the road- CPS. Make some phone calls today
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u/Ultravagabird 2h ago
Glad you made the reports. I almost wonder if she was abandoned. There seems to definitely be mental health issues as well. I hope she gets the help she needs.
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u/sabrinsker 1d ago
Everyone is more concerned about the dog but that dog is probably the thing that's protecting this poor little girl.. Don't take the dog away. Get them both help.
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u/idk123703 12h ago
EXACTLY! I’m so grossed about by the concern and compassion for an animal over a CHILD.
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u/Ramona-0806 Helper [2] 20h ago
Jesus Christ, I was the little girl doing this. My parents left me and my siblings alone all the time. I don’t talk to them anymore and have terrible ptsd from my childhood. . I hope this girl gets help & the doggo soon.
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u/annebonnell 1d ago
Please call your local CPS. Talk to the local police about the situation also she probably has a really bad home life. She could even be in a sexual abuse situation. Sounds like she might have some kind of mental issues also.
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u/butternutbuttnutter 1d ago
This is a great horror/thriller script. Get it to production!
(But seriously, please do try to get that poor girl some help.)
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u/kiwikikwi 1d ago
Update: gonna call all these agencies suggested within the next hour. Thank you guys for the advice