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You are assuming that being in foster care is better for this child than being allowed to wander.

That is not necessarily the case.

In the case of actual physical abuse, I think it’s best to go to foster care. There are some truly great foster parents out there. You might get one.

In the case of neglect, it is probably better to stay with your family. If you don’t agree with me, talk to a few survivors of the foster care system. One has posted above.

I am assuming absolutely nothing of the kind. Read my post again. Do I suggest, even once, that a DPS style agency be contacted? No, I do not. Do I suggest that contacting law enforcement should be at the top of the list? No, I do not. I assert that it should be a last resort. Allowing a 3-year old child to wander off alone (and leaving said child in the care of the 11-year old is, in this case, the same thing) is absolutely unacceptable. JA's daughter is in the right in putting her foot down. If said 3-YO were to be injured on a neighbor's property, it's the innocent neighbor that's going to get the first scrutiny from DPS or law enforcement, not the parents of the wandering youngster. That's the world we live in.