Can I file a complaint against my neighbor for leaving his kids alone?

Full question:

My neighbor left his kids in school, locked his house and has still not returned. Its been a week now and the kids for the time being are staying with us. My neighbor has not even called once to check on them. Can I file a complaint against my neighbor for leaving his kids without arranging for their care and support? We live in Rhode Island.

  • Category: Minors
  • Subcategory: Support
  • Date:
  • State: Rhode Island

Answer:

Yes, you can file a complaint against your neighbor for leaving his children without care. In Rhode Island, a parent may face misdemeanor charges for intentionally abandoning or neglecting to provide support for their children. If found guilty, the neighbor could face up to six months in jail. This is based on R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-2-1, which addresses abandonment and nonsupport of children.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

If your child doesn't come home, first check with friends or neighbors to see if they are with someone else. If you cannot locate them, contact the school to verify if they were picked up. If you still cannot find your child, report the situation to the police immediately. It's important to act quickly to ensure their safety.