What Should I Do?

[Brenda Starrr]

My next-door neighbor's 18 year old son was released for the psych ward yesterday. He was supposed to go to some shelter or center of some sort about 15 miles away after he got out. He apparently managed to get some money, and made his way back home. His mother doesn't want him here, as he has issues with fire and weapons. I had to call the police last night, as he was lighting things on fire, Like a frog, some paper, bugs, etc.

Sure, he's 18 years old. However, he is in no way 18 years old mentally. The officer spent over an hour with him last night, and then left. I had to run out to get Wayne, and when I came back, Matt was sitting on the front porch of our building. I asked if he was okay, and he said yes. He then asked Wayne about his new black hair. When he looked up at Wayne, who he litterally looks up to, I saw this look of innocence and fear in his eyes. His mother is moving in with her boyfriend, and abandoning him.

Now, he's in our building, but curled up and sleeping in front of his mother's door. I don't know what to do. I left a message on her cell phone, letting her know where he is. This isn't fair. My son is autistic and has some serious anger issues, but you won't see me turn my back on him or his sister. I always thought that, when you became a parent, you became a parent for life. I'm waiting for her to call me back. I hope that she does.

I just don't know what to do for him.

[Guest Game of Chance]

Oh man, that sucks. I wish I had an answer for you.

[Brenda Starrr]

Steve, it's taking all I've got to fight back tears. I mean, why? He's not even my child. But, as the mother of a child quite like him, my gut just hurts and my heart is breaking over this.

[Guest Game of Chance]

I can only imagine. Too bad he's 18. You'd have a lot more options if he was younger. I'm not sure what to tell you.

[The_Dark]

I know what I would do... I would take him in and try to help him. I'm not saying thats what you should do, only that it's what I would do. Call Community mental health.. see if you can get a social worker of some kind involved. Do what you can, but by no means do anything that would hurt your family. If he looks up to Wayne so much... Maybe Wayne should talk to him... guide him onto the right path. Being a Man is hard and some of us are not prepared for it. Sometimes, it takes another Man to show us how to do it right. If Wayne is half the man I think he must be, from what little I see of him in your posts, then I think he might be able to help this kid.

[JaneDead]

oh brenda this is so sad :( i don't know what i would do either?? the dark makes a good point but on the other hand- if it were me- i would be really afraid of the safety issue with him being around my kids. i don't know what you should do other than calling and trying to get outside help.

[Brenda Starrr]

I'm still waiting for his mom to call me back. I hate this.

[Marblez]

In the meantime, let him in your house under your supervision. Find a homeless shelter just in case, take him there to . Allow him to use the phone to call any relatives and friends.

[Brenda Starrr]

I cannot believe that his mother has neither called me back, nor showed up. I mean, Jesus Christ!!! You just don't abandon your child like that!!

[Nienna]

OMG... that is horrible!! You are truly a wonderful person to try to help him, but don't forget that you do have to remember your own family's safety too. Be careful.

[ZhukovCodeslinger]

It sounds like he needs help before the situation he is in freaks him out... there has to be some agency that can help/deal with him.. . i dont think hes going to be able to do it on his own since hes 18 and curled up along the door....

[Brenda Starrr]

Well, I haven't seen him in 24 hours. Part of me hopes that his mother came home and got him. The other thinks not. I just hope that he'll be okay...

[Lilith]

i feel very sunken in side ...........

Just kee psending him well thoughts, i will too.

I wish the mom or someo ne would let ya know whats up, Maybe just mAybe the mom is part of his problem, maybe just maybe she is some how at fault for his behavior being she is seemingly not caring about him now, perhaps that is all the boy needed was his mom to care for him or just someone to care for him.

You are doing all you can Brenda, just remebr that and dont let this get you down.

Maybe you and wayne can be positive influences, but not main care takers.

:confused :tear

lilith

[Brenda Starrr]

She is definitely NOT mom of the year. She has 5 children and their father doesn't want her to have them. He's doing what he can to take them from her. As a matter of fact, he has custody of the 3 youngest. She is NEVER home, but is out either working or getting laid. No wonder Matt has problems. He needs her, and she is never there. His father doesn't want him, which is sad. Boys need their dad. I can't tell you how many times Wayne has had to go next door to calm him down during one of his episodes. And where was his mother? No where to be found. I would purposely ride down to Target (where she works) and see if she was in. The answer was always "no". I have NO fucking respect for her. None.

[Daevion]

Its very sad but as we all know there are many shitty ass people in this world ruining other people's lives. This kid was lucky enough to have neighbors like you and Wayne.

[Homicidalheathen]

I don't know either. Unfortunatly he sounds like he is about to become one of the many hopeless homeless....lets just pray his horrible upbringing didn't make him a total danger to society....the y has beds at night only.....there are homeless shelters that do the same, some churches will help people out.....

[Brenda Starrr]

I haven't seen him since Saturday afternoon. Maybe his mother decided to act like a mom and help him. Then again, I have a fucking bridge to sell you.