Called CPS, again..

For the third time since we have lived here (since August), I've called Child Protective Services on the same family. We first saw the little girl wandering around shortly after we moved in. She was 2, and still in diapers (in fact, she had a t-shirt and diaper on, in October, and that's all). We called to report it, anonymously. Nothing was done. I called to follow-up, and even the supervisor couldn't find the report. Interesting.

We called again in January. She was out, wandering around by herself, yet again. I left my name and number. They called before they went to her house to investigate, to get directions. I called to follow up, and they couldn't locate the report. Again? Really?

Today, I saw the little girl (who is 3 now) standing by the edge of the hill we live on, looking over into the creek. She was about 5 feet from the very edge, and it's muddy so she easily could've slid down the hill and fallen into the creek. I was looking out the window and saw her, thank God, so I ran out there to get her. Her brother (he is in kindergarten) was there and said he'd bring her home - they live 4 buildings down from us - so I said okay. I watched them walk towards their house. I walked back inside my apartment, and sat down by the window.

Not even five minutes later, I saw the same little girl halfway down the hill by the dumpster, laying in mud, surrounded by glass. Yes, glass. Someone ran into the dumpster last week and their back glass busted everywhere. Her brother? Nowhere around.

I picked her up, she never said a word. I asked her where she lived and she just stared at me. A neighbor was outside and showed me where she lived. I walked her down there and knocked on the door. A man screamed (at something? someone?), ran to open the door and then shut it behind him really fast. House was disgusting. He didn't grab her and embrace her, scared to death that she was by the creek.. he just said "Mmhmm" when I told him both accounts of what happened. He then turned to the little boy (who followed me over there) and said he was going to "beat his ass" for not watching his sister.

Then he proceeded to yell at her for being outside without her brother, and told her she was a "very bad girl" and he would "deal with her later". He then almost threw her inside, and slammed the door in my face. Didn't say thank you for saving her life... saving her from falling in the creek.. for getting her out of the mud.. nothing. Just threw her inside.

I came home and called the child abuse hotline. After being on hold for 10 minutes, I was told to call another number. I did, and told my story, and they said they would send someone out. The last two times, they had no record of my report. Wonder if they will this time?

I realize now, in hindsight, that I should've called 911. My mistake. Let's hope it doesn't cost her her life. I feel like a horrible mom right now, but I was trying to get her back home so she could be safe.. stupid me, "home" and "safe" aren't synonymous for all children.

Next time I see her outside, even if she is RIGHT by her house, I'm calling 911. No doubt about it.