Why is society so unwilling to enforce consequences in cases of parental/gardian neglect?

[Janetex]

Even when their children are tortured and killed because of the lack of duty of care by a parent/guardian, why is society blaze about other children in their care?

[brawburd]

what do you mean by "lack of duty of care" - what are the circumstances you are referring to?

[Janetex]

Perhaps liken it to the care we'd give a handbag containing all our valuables - not leaving it unattended in an unlocked house, unlocked car, unlocked car with the engine running, public toilet, the next aisle at the shop, a restaurant, ouside a pub, in the street, out of sight at the beach, at somebody's house we don't know well. I see this all the time with children, but when the worst happens I am as horrified at the parents as at the criminal.

[coggles]

Janetex, while I realise that what we obviously have similar views on, may make it seem as if we are saying 'what did you expect', but when I hear of people who say something like 'the shop was only a mile away, there was only one road to cross and it was only to buy a loaf' when they are talking about a seven year old out alone, it does make me wonder whether people realise what a sick and unsafe world we live in.

[brawburd]

No-one should put a child in known or reasonably anticipated danger. However, you also can't lock children up. In the end, people who murder or otherwise abuse are the guilty parties. Why should we make a child any more of a victim of a potentially dangerous society - do you suggest we lock them up? In the Soham case I don't think the parents lacked duty of care. These were obviously well-loved and well-care for children. Should their siblings now be removed?

[coggles]

Hello BB, I was in no way suggesting that the families of the girls were in any way to blame. Their parents, as with many other parents of children who have been murdered or abused are obviously very caring and loving. I was referring to the children, thankfully few, that I have seen wondering around the street at night as young as 7 or 8. When we had the jubilee party in our road, there were 3 children from many streets away, (they told us) who were 4, 6 & 8. Many of our neighbours had their front doors open for people at the party to wander around, use their kitchens, toilets etc. These 3 children didn't know any of us, yet stayed for the whole event, some 7 hours. They ended up asking us for drinks and food. Not a single person came to check on them the entire time. Maybe they have very trusting parents but I certainly wouldn't do the same with my children.

[brawburd]

Hi Coggles, I really didn't think you did mean that, and I completely agree with you. However, I think this is what Janetex is alluding to, following on from the Maxine Carr thread below. If not I apologise to Janetex - if I am right, I think she should be more specific with her question because it is quite different to the one you (for example)thought she was posing!