Expert: Loren Stevens - 12/7/2006

Question
My name is laura, I'm sixteen years old and live in arkansas. One of my friends named sara is a mother, she is aproximatly 20. Her child is nine months old. A large group of friends and I are wondering about the childs saftey. she tryed to smother the baby when she was 4 months old, and repeadidly dumps the child off at our houses with no food, diapers, clothing etc. She was raped, so we don't know the father. Were not sure what to do, if we tell someone were afraid she'll get scared and run off with the baby. But, there going to colorado soon together, alone, and were all extremly scared about trusting her alone with the baby. What should we do?

I'm sending this to other police officers on this site to try and get the fastest reply

Answer
Good Morning Laura,
My response will be consistent with all the other responses you get.....YOU need to contact the authorities NOW....not later....not maybe, but NOW!
Contact the "CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES" in your city/county right away, and I would also notify the police in general, and Juvenile Detectives in specific.
Also, you should make up a list of people who are aware of the situation, and that can verify if necessary. Try to sit down and draft specific details, dates, witnesses etc,. to advance to the responding authorities.
Your primary concern at this juncture, is the wellbeing of the child, NOT whether someone may or may not be offended by your concerns.
YOU have a duty, a responsibility, to take action on this matter, and report it.
This is not something to ponder, or put off.
I hope I've made myself clear, and that you are not confused in any way.
You asked, and you have my answer.
NOW, it is my turn to pose a request to you...............
I want to know what you in fact do about this situation, and when.
Thankyou for the inquiry, and Good Luck.
DO THE RIGHT THING.
Regards,
loren