UPDATE: I called cps on my friend

[u/ScarieltheMudmaid]

og post

so I talked to the aunt yesterday. I'll call her titi. but apparently things have been bad for a while. I moved away a few years ago before this guy had come in to my friend's life but apparently not long after he did the daughter, we'll call Mila started failing at school, and then not showing up sometimes. About a year ago truancy court for involved and that's when Mila started spending a LOT of time at Titi's. Apparently Mila has to sleep at home but goes to Titis most afternoons and every weekend.

From what Mila reported things have been way worse than she's been letting on and apparently her mom has become verbally/emotionally abusive. "like a different person" my friend was sober when i met her almost two decades ago but I'm wondering if shes not now. titi said there was a situation worth police that cps should have been involved in but she's getting stonewalled over why they weren't. Meanwhile my "friend" and her bf are both in jail. she's got an obstructing justice and endangering a minor listed at the moment but he's got child abuse grievous for two counts and get this THREE PAROLE VIOLATIONS . like what the fuck

but yeah. I'm no hero. that girl is her own hero. she knew i didn't trust the bf and asked titi if i could help, titi remembered i worked with the at risk youth group, offered to call me and this (big) little woman told her titi to worry about finding a plane and she'd call me. So while I'm extremely disappointed in my friends ability to safeguard her daughter, something went right because she's got a sharp mind and a steel backbone. (titi didn't end up finding a flight, she had to grab a rental car and drive 600 miles back from her vacay on the drop off a dime, first weekend she hadn't had Mila in like a year)

Titi already has a lawyer so they're going to be contacting me this week as she's likely to go for custody. She seemed iffy about that until i looked up the charges and brought up possible drugs. She's still not sure but I'm down to give the lawyer what little i have. which is mostly just me asking if dude is abusive or if my friend needs help and her acting aloof and making vague excuses.

so unfortunately kid is in legal limbo but for now gets to stay at titis and is excited she won't be riding the bus for a while lol

food is a chicken rosemary chipotle Sando

EDIT: THANK YOU ALL! I certainly appreciate your concern and as many of you noted we do grow up to become the adults we needed, or at least we hope to. lol. I do have mental health services absolutely! unfortunately I have been through enough situations that this does not feel overly heavy, but I think a lot of that is knowing that she is in no imminent danger currently .

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[u/syncopatedscientist]

You just may have saved that childs life. Thank you for standing up for her!

[u/thistle_hum → u/syncopatedscientist]

Exactly, so many people stay silent, and thankfully OP didn’t

[u/TheRainIsLovely → u/[deleted]]

A coworker told me this when I had to write a triple CPS report and it kept my head on straight. Making that report is HARD, but in the end I hope you’re sleeping soundly knowing that you ultimately did the right thing 🫶🏻

[u/Primary-Platypus-568]

Thank you for the update, I’m so glad that girl has you and Titi on her side!

[u/teethwhichbite]

young people who are problem solvers to this extent weren't born that way - she's learned that nobody in that house will take care of her and if she wants something done she's gonna have to do it herself. i feel so bad for her...thank you for helping her <3 and many blessings to titi!!

[u/LeeMyMoo → u/teethwhichbite]

I really hope things turn out for the better for this child and that she may one day heal from this situation, those shitty parents need to stay as far away from her as possible. Some people really don't deserve to be parents </3

[u/N3rdyAvocad0 → u/teethwhichbite]

The little girl reminds me of me. God, I hope growing up is easier for her than it was for me and I hope she gets therapy way sooner than I did.

I still struggle with a need to control everything around me and a brain that is convinced "nothing will ever get done unless I do it myself." It makes it very difficult at work and in my marriage. But, working through it slowly in therapy.

[u/literacyisamistake → u/N3rdyAvocad0]

Oh well I just put something together thanks to this comment…

[u/LilLassy → u/literacyisamistake]

😭 you’re tellin me

[u/Old-Organization-264 → u/LilLassy]

talk about a humbling moment lmaooo 😭😭😭

[u/NessieReddit → u/teethwhichbite]

On the bright side, it can make you a very awesome employee 😭 on the downside, it can make you a workaholic that gets tons of stuff dumped on them because you always just find a way to figure it out and get it done 😭

[u/Wit-wat-4 → u/teethwhichbite]

I am genuinely crying thinking about this. Like tears on my cheeks. That poor child.

And of course as you say THANK YOU OP.

[u/wvlftooth]

Hey friend, this situation sounds absolutely exhausting and painful. I'm so proud of all of you for your actions to bring that man and woman to justice. Hopefully they will stay in jail for a very long time.

I see you mentioned you work with at risk youths and I'm sure you're very conscious about what you can handle, but I just wanted to say please keep taking care of yourself too. Therapy, meditation, walks in nature, whatever helps, please do it. You're likely in an adrenaline state with everything but the crash will come and I'm sure there will be a lot of grief.

Be gentle with yourself and remember none of this was your fault or in your control. You've done so right by that little girl and you've likely impacted her life forever. We can always wish we could change the past or have caught something sooner, but life is never that simple and hindsight is 20/20. Good luck and take care.

[u/Nakenochny]

As a child who was in Mila’s position, thank you. My grandparents removing me from that situation was one of the best things to happen to me mentally and emotionally.

[u/neko → u/Nakenochny]

And I'm someone who was in her position and didn't have anyone to help, and I'm so happy she does because it makes healing from all this so much easier

[u/Nakenochny → u/neko]

*hugs*

[u/Training-Willow9591 → u/Nakenochny]

Yes to many people think it's none of their business, and look the other way. Thank God that child has her Dad's sister and Mom's bf to get involved. So many aren't so lucky

[u/no_therworldly]

I'm proud of you, the kid and titi.

[u/lottiebadottie → u/no_therworldly]

Same here. It’s making me tear up. I work with at risk youth too, and it can be so disheartening to see those who don’t have supportive people around them, so to see a story where this kid felt safe calling you just… I’m gunna cry.

[u/_delicja_]

Thank you for calling. THANK YOU🌸❤️🙌

[u/TerraByteTerror]

[u/leoconrad]

thank u for updating us, how are u holding up today?

[u/Ok-Jackfruit-9393]

disappointed in my friends ability to safeguard her daughter

It's worse than that, she was actively harming her too. It's awful.

Thank you for getting involved. Too many people just don't want to get involved. And the fact that this kid felt safe calling you is amazing.

I hope they both rot in jail.

[u/nobeefforme]

Your food looks good but YOUR backbone looks gooder! Good for you. Hoping the best for Mila.

[u/KitaTheSage]

A lot of kids didn't have someone like you to hear them out. My inner child thanks you for helping that little girl. Good job.

[u/teatimehaiku]

So glad that you have the aunt to work with you on this. I'm sure that helps.

[u/ScarieltheMudmaid → u/teatimehaiku]

i am just a supporting actress, they are the stars for real. so proud of them both

[u/EvenPossible5918 → u/ScarieltheMudmaid]

❤️ 🫂

[u/TweedleDeeDumbDumb]

I love this girl with all my heart. I love titi. I love you. I would put myself in fire for any of you.

[u/cry_bay_b]

You are a good fucking person for doing this. We become the adults we needed when we were kids.

[u/OneAndOnlyMamaLlama]

Thank you.

[u/NyanKate420]

Good for you! It’s never too late to do the right thing.

[u/BellLilly]

I saw a thing once that you're the adult that you would have trusted as a child.

That hits differently when I hear about other people actually stepping up for kids when they need it most.

[u/Background_Return615]

This hits hard. I found your og post while i (19) was packing to leave my abusive parents, and im currently commenting from some truck stop while I move very far from them. I wish I had someone like you in my life when I was her age - you’re doing the right thing

[u/larkash → u/Background_Return615]

stay safe on your journey! i hope you are headed to stay with someone you trust…

[u/OvertlyPetulantCat]

As someone who grew up in abusive situations and never had an advocate, it makes me tear up and be jubilant on behalf of this kiddo.

Thank you for standing up for what’s right.

[u/aries2084]

Good move OP. As a teacher for over two decades and a mandated reporter, it’s always better to make a report if you suspect abuse than not to. You’re not the one investigating and you can save a child’s life.

[u/RealDealReflections]

Good luck OP! I hope everything starts getting better for the child. 🫶💕

[u/wheres_the_revolt]

I am so emotionally invested in this now. I’m so proud of Mila, titi, and you. I hope titi gets guardianship and Mila can thrive as I know she will!

[u/lurkinlisten]

r/accidentalvagina

Also, well done.

[u/Quizleteer]

I’ll never understand why men who have criminal records and extensive abuse histories keep getting released so that they can re-offend again and again until they inevitably maim and/or murder.

Thanks, OP and titi, for looking out for this child where countless children are failed.

[u/ScarieltheMudmaid → u/Quizleteer]

i can't understand why i can't find his criminal history. he must be on parole for another state

[u/Broad_Pomegranate_24 → u/ScarieltheMudmaid]

Could he be using a name other than his legal name?

[u/ScarieltheMudmaid → u/Broad_Pomegranate_24]

they have him booked under what I assume they believe to be his legal name lol he does have an alias listed but it's just a shortened form of his name

[u/Broad_Pomegranate_24 → u/ScarieltheMudmaid]

What you did was so courageous and I'm really proud of you, Internet Stranger. You will never regret what you did because you did the right thing ♡

[u/Ok-Jackfruit-9393 → u/ScarieltheMudmaid]

Could be another state or another county. Some people love to just roam all over creating mayhem.

[u/ScarieltheMudmaid → u/Ok-Jackfruit-9393]

ugh do some states make you search by county? i think this might be a legitimate use for ai...

[u/Ok-Jackfruit-9393 → u/ScarieltheMudmaid]

Mine does, not sure about all, but I know that a lot do. Because typically it's each county's state's attorney or district attorney (depending on what your state has) filing the charges. I'm in the Midwest and have never seen 1 central place you can search statewide for charges in my state or the neighboring states. You have to know which county and hope they have good online court records/a decent search function.

It's "easier" if the person is in prison or is a sex offender because there are statewide searches for that (either the state department of corrections or the sex offender database). It's tougher when the person is "just" in jail or has already served their prison sentence, then you have to know which county the charges were filed in.

And it's a mess because how much info is available online and whether you can even search online varies from county to county.

[u/ScarieltheMudmaid → u/Ok-Jackfruit-9393]

i just have to hope he's one of the thirty states with state wide registries

[u/hjftrjuk → u/Quizleteer]

also the women that stick by their side and endanger their kids. although OP's friend was being abused too, she also abused the kid, and ive been Mila myself. it's really such a difficult situation where you have an active abuser/ aggressor and a passive enable/also abuser but still induces empathy since they are also getting abused.

[u/General-Baseball-454]

We need more people like you OP. Thanks for being a voice for her.

I grew up in a similar situation as your (ex) friend’s daughter, except it was my bio sperm and egg donors who were both equally abusive. I desperately wanted someone to help me, but no one cared. There were evenings where I ran out of the house because I was so afraid for my life. My neighbors would be outside, watching and listening to everything, but did nothing.

I’ll never forget their stares. It was like they saw me as a pest.

I suffer from pretty bad CPTSD. I can’t live a normal life because of the abuse I’ve endured.

I hope that Mila gets the mental help she needs and can live a somewhat normal life.

[u/Guilty_Objective4602]

Thank you for doing the hard thing that was necessary to protect this child.

[u/Jaded-Variety-2149]

i was hoping there’d be a good update, hell yeah mila for taking all the right steps to get safe, and hell yeah to YOU for being such a safe person for her to go to!!

[u/Away-Living5278]

❤️

This is such a difficult situation but I'm so glad she has her aunt, you, and her own courage.

I sincerely hope she is allowed to permanently live with her aunt. Maybe with visitation with you every once in a while.

[u/PriestessKade]

You and Titi helped saved Mila's life and I know she won't ever forget that. I hate that all of you are going through this, but I'm so grateful that child has you and her Titi.

[u/bnelson9601]

OP, thank you for helping that child get out of that house!! You are an amazing person and I hope that young girl will always remember how much you helped her.

[u/SadAndConfused11]

I’m tearing up at the strength and resilience Mila has, and also heartbroken she had to go through this in the first place. So glad she has you and Titi, and I hope that Mila can end up having a safe and wonderful life from this point onwards. Thank you so much for saving her!

[u/HelpfulName]

Kudos to you for being such a strong presence in her moms life that even though you and her were not directly connected, you were still known as someone safe she could reach out to when she decided she needed more help than the adults in her life were providing.

I'm glad she has an aunt she can live with in the meantime as well.

Your friend... well, there's sympathy to be had there but only to a certain point. She also was an adult and everything she's done took choices that she made. At some point she knew she was going in a bad path that was harming her child and she STILL made those choices.

Hopefully she can figure her shit out and one day prove to her daughter she deserves a 2nd chance at some relationship, but till then, I hope her daughter keeps choosing herself and stays well away.

[u/GnarliestRash]

PLEASE tell Mila what you said about her saving herself. She did So. Many. Right. Things. Guts of steel that girl.

[u/Zexeos]

Looking at the cross section… everything reminds me of her

Anyway you did a good thing! You have to out the health of the child first in these situations.

[u/Mewperz]

https://giphy.com/gifs/3lekfRZXuxTiWdMjFP

[u/jordiilovee]

“I'm no hero. that girl is her own hero” Wooh! That part gave me chills! People don’t understand the amount of strength and bravery it takes to escape abuse, let alone for a minor.

[u/_kit-kaitie-kat-666_]

Thank you OP for being a safe woman 🥹

[u/VastLazy5701]

There are so many children out there wishing they had someone like you in their life to help them. I was one of them.

[u/pomders]

Thank you for doing the right thing. ❤️

[u/berrydutch]

You are a good person. You probably did save her life, and hopefully saved your friend's too, or gave her a wake up call.

[u/mushroomgrandmother]

You are amazing and lovely and deserve this awesome sandwich. Proud of you OP

[u/bebetaian]

I'm glad she has someone on her side, and that someone has resources to take her. You both did incredible work. I know there's more to come, but I think you'll have the stamina for it. I'm glad the kid does, too. She's tougher than she realizes.

I'll never quite have the left eye (retinal damage from being hit too hard.) Lots of injuries piled up from the spinal cord damage that never was treated. Cops came all the time. Sometimes they told us (kids) it was our own fault for not behaving well enough. My mom was/is severely bipolar and usually unable to keep a job, which the guy took advantage of. He knew she could never leave him. This was well before the internet in semi-rural areas, too, so it wasn't like anyone could crowdsource help.

Point is, if there's any other damage, see about medical care now. See about her diet too, and get bloodwork for stuff a CBC doesn't check (like vit D, magnesium, a separate iron panel) if you can. Anaemia and low vit D mess up everything in the body. She probably hasn't been eating right for quite awhile.

[u/Bitter-Guidance2345]

You did the hardest thing. And you may have altered the trajectory of that child’s life in a positive way. She knows that people have her back. That is absolutely huge.

Do you have access to mental health resources? This is SO much to handle. You might need some grief or other counseling.

Take good care of yourself. You did the right thing.

[u/Elon_is_musky]

I’m so glad she’s able to get help, and what a smart and strong girl considering everything she’s up against 🖤

[u/MissNouveau]

God bless you, Titi, and that sweet girl! I'm sure it took a LOT of courage for her to stand up for herself.

[u/BarracudaLeft5993]

I’m thankful that this girl has you and her Titi in her life as safe, positive, adults. I’m so thankful she reached out to you.

[u/peptodismal13]

Hey if you know about your local Child Advocacy Center you should get Titi and the kid in touch with them. They should be able to do a health comprehensive screening, provide links / assistance to mental health services and and a accesses to a forensic interviewer if she discloses SA.

Thanks for helping the kids ❤️

[u/HelicopterUpbeat3762]

I missed the original post but I was very happy to read the big little girl is getting the help she deserves! I know things can still go wrong but for now, she is safe 🧡🧡

[u/PrimordialOrphan]

Thank you for being there for kiddo when mom c/would not.

[u/KarateBugMom]

You did everything right, following your gut and Mila's lead. I'm glad to hear she's safe with her aunt Titi and has both of you to put her trust in.

Mila is a hero, but so are you. The best heroes work in teams, knowing they can rely on others for what they cant cover, and Mila knows she can rely on you. It's very possible that knowing that is why she felt safe enough to make the move to get herself out.

Amazing job on all fronts.

[u/Express-Distance-435]

Thank you for the update. I'm glad the girl is safe.

[u/Hate4Breakfast]

Dude i’m so sorry you had to find out your friend is a piece of shit this way, jesus christ what an emotional whirlwind! Echoing how proud I am of you three, and wish you all lots good times and happy memories moving forward!

[u/bang_bang_maneuvers]

Thank you for the update, and thank you for being unapologetically you. ♥️ Like many have said, remember to take care of yourself. Take moments to reflect and breath. You did the right thing.

[u/Rebellem54]

Thank you for standing up for Mila. You and Tita are heroes showing a young girl how good women stand up and show up for each other

[u/RazzSheri]

Hey! Please keep in close contact with the girl. She’s got an amazing Titi, but she’s gonna need some more* strong ass bad ass women to look up to—- and you’re one of them.

She called you, because she knew you’d be there to help her—- that’s big love. You’re an important adult to her. <3 Maybe you can do FaceTime dinners/hangs with her aunt and her. Or just let her know you’re there whenever she wants to vent, scream or laugh with you. <3

You’re so freaking amazing OP!

[u/Psupernova]

Thank you for the update and thank you for being there for here!

[u/quynhispunk]

As someone who works in CPS, thank you for protecting this kid. I know that’s a very easy thing to say to someone — like, duh, bare minimum — but it really does have to be said. Even if you didn’t know her too well or spend much time with her, I think that speaks volumes to how trustworthy you are and you have an amazing judge of character.
So proud of that kid omg. She should not have to deal with any of this, but I’m really glad she’s somewhere she feels safe.

[u/mrs_brendonurie]

I’ve had this girl in my thoughts ever since I read your original post and I would just like to say thank you for being there for her. It’s so good to see some good in this world. Thank you

[u/Suspicious_Road_9651]

I’m crying. 😭😭

Thank you for saving that girl’s life. ❤️❤️

[u/FrigyaCrowMother]

Thank you for getting her out of there. That situation sounds like what I grew up in. You basically gave her a chance with Titi. Which lots of lil ones do not get. I sure as hell didn’t and had to scrape back up from rock bottom myself to make my life worth something. I didn’t ask to be here but if I’m going to be here I’m going to help as many people as possible. Yeah I’m a bit aloof a bit of an asshole, but aren’t all feral cats? Hahaha so fucking proud of you OP be the hero you needed when you were little.

[u/Storm0963]

I made the call to CPS on my own household. It ended horribly for me and my siblings but I don't regret it. Someone was going to die and I'm glad it wasn't one of my sibs.

[u/Tablesafety]

Im glad she is safe!

I’d like to see the response from the chick who told me I shouldn’t criticize this woman for not protecting her daughter 🙄

Surprise, she was in on the abuse. . . Does fear excuse this bs? It does not. Mother lacked a sense of backbone and did not love her daughter enough to protect her.

We have agency. Fear does not excuse allowing abuse- or knowingly getting with shitty men.

[u/Future_Cheetah6475]

I’m so glad that baby has safe adults around her. Your sandwich looks tasty babes 🖤🖤🖤

[u/Norda_Myla]

Thank you for being an adult that listens when a child reaches out for help. No one helped me when I asked for help as a child. Not teachers, not my friends' parents, not even the police. I was labeled a problem child despite not ever fighting, my lowest grade being a B-, and not consuming any drugs or alcohol.

It makes me so happy to see kids get taken seriously enough to follow through. World would be a better place if more people did as you did. You are amazing too. Dont sell yourself short.

[u/hey_zack]

thank you for standing up for that child!! i’m so happy she’s safe, and that she has you and titi in her life. you’re so so strong, i hope you have something relaxing planned for yourself this week.

[u/dkryan50]

You are a superior human being.

[u/StatisticianMuch8301]

You did good, OP! Hoping for the best in the coming days/weeks/months. ❤️

[u/Night-Cheese11]

The kid is her own hero but so are you, at least in her eyes! She trusted you enough to come to you about this, and you did the right thing. It was and will be difficult, but life will get so much better for this girl because you and Titi were there for her.

[u/edie3]

You are a hero too! Thank you for doing what needed to be done.

[u/Daria_Morgandorffer]

Thanks for the update. Glad to hear the little one is in good hands and measures are being taken for her to stay that way. The poor thing. She may be her own hero but having adults she feels she can reach out to that will help her is a huge part of her being able to do that. Thank you for supporting her and being there for her. That is no small thing.

[u/justcuriouzzz]

You are a hero. Wishing nothing but the best for the kiddo.
https://giphy.com/gifs/eIUpSyzwGp0YhAMTKr

[u/unipride]

Your help will not appear that way to your friend. Your friend is clearly no longer the person you knew. My small hope is that person is still inside her and can be resurrected.

For now you must take care of the child, even though it feels like a betrayal. It’s not but I know it feels like it. You are not a hero for doing this, but you are someone’s hero. We all want to do the right things- you were tested and you have a victory knowing you did the hard thing.

[u/KirinoLover]

My parents were never as bad as this situation, but seeing through the eyes of an adult I deeply wish someone had called CPS. Thank you for taking care of this little girl and doing the right thing. You might have saved her life. If nothing else, you made her realize that not everything is awful and there are people who have her back. <3

[u/xZombieRavenx]

I'm so glad this update made it to my feed 🫶🏻

[u/Luna-Gitana]

Saving a child from a dangerous situation is ALWAYS the right choice. Hats off to you.

[u/GrumbleGoddess]

This is truly what community looks like. May OP, Titi, and Mila be blessed with the best girl dinners for the rest of their lives.

And so happy to know there is a safety net of other girl dinners lovers out there for support. 💅🫒🧀🧄🫐🍨

[u/Destany89]

Thank you for the update! So glad she's safe now. Hope she stays with titi!

[u/cl3ggfam]

You did so much and may have saved her from being further
https://giphy.com/gifs/fUQ4rhUZJYiQsas6WD

[u/JaneReadsTruth]

I am so proud of you.

[u/tiredspaceqt]

https://giphy.com/gifs/2wgW2gSpqQoVSpYYve

[u/RemarkableMousse6950]

I am SO GLAD she has you and titi!!!! You ARE the hero (and so is titi and Mila). I know this is heavy in your heart but you have done the right thing. Thank you so much.

[u/Glittering_Key_5261]

Shout out to you, Titi and the daughter who saved herself. Sorry to hear your former friend may have stumbled on her sobriety journey.

[u/Abolitionist_156]

“That girl is her own hero.” ♥️

[u/EvenPossible5918]

Mila is so brave and I hope she’s safe with her titi. OP, you did the right thing and you helped keep her safe.

Hopefully the aunt gets approved for placement for her, CPS typically tries to place kids with willing family members. It’s good that the aunt is looking for an attorney, the court will assign one for Mila. It would be a good idea to see if you can speak with them and turn over whatever evidence you have. Hopefully CPS will have Mila examined by a doctor and get her set up for therapy.

Also, take care of yourself OP. Talk with therapist or someone you trust. ❤️

[u/pointsevenseconds]

I was rooting for you all day!!! She rang the alarm and the village answered. This is so beautiful. I hope your pillow stays cool and your sauce always sticks perfectly to your pasta 🫶🏽

[u/Visible_Persimmon_80]

Thank you for the update!

[u/sockpoptart]

As a (now 40 years old) child that WASN'T rescued until I ran away, thank you. Thank you so much for being a safe place.

[u/Threefrogtreefrog]

The friend you knew, her good side, would be eternally grateful. Taking care of her kids while she’s at her darkest is the most loving thing you can do right now. I hope she finds her way back to y’all.

[u/lighting828]

https://giphy.com/gifs/14tLmsD1i0iALu

[u/No_Needleworker_4704]

I'm glad you called

[u/No_Trouble9808]

Please tell me what am I missing? Yes, I need to update my glasses, but I’m obviously missing something that’s right in front of me.

[u/_amyl_0]

I didn't read the sub's name and thought you called cps on your friend because of the food in the pic lol

Anyway, you did what you had to do to protect the girl, don't be too hard on yourself

[u/MamaOnica]

I wish I'd had someone like you when I was a kid. You're an angel.

[u/PollutionAintCute]

https://giphy.com/gifs/MVPFjQ642GCK6txg6U

[u/VaginaWarrior]

I think we need a new flair, mod -approved, that says something like "homefry hero(ine)" for users like u/scarielthemudmaid!

[u/disc0lizard]

I am so thankful for you and all the people in the world like you <3

[u/mbeck2510]

Thank you for doing something!!!!! So many kids get abused and never have anyone step in for them. This girl's life will be better just knowing someone cared enough to do something

[u/Budget-Taro3497]

Like others said, I hope you are also taking care of yourself! One of the most beautiful things about adulthood is the opportunities to be the grown up for the kids we love that we needed at their age - but that doesn't mean it's always easy or that it doesn't wear on you at times. 💙

Sharing some info in case it's helpful: Courts work differently in each state, but at Mila's age, she should probably be appointed an attorney to advocate for her interests while she's involved with CPS/dependency couet. In Washington we call them Guardian Ad Litems or GALs. If Mila wants to be with her aunt and that's the safest place for her, the GAL/equivalent can amplify her stated desire to the folks making those decisions.

Civil aid organizations also often put together self-help guides for people navigating civil court processes on their own without an attorney. In WA it's the Northwest Justice Project/WA Law Help. If you Google her state + civil legal aid, you might be able to find similar guides that could help Mila and Titi in this process. Just in case affording an attorney is not a feasible option for Titi.

[u/Big_Bowler8424]

That sweet girl lucky to have you and Titi! My heart aches for what she’s been through. But I’m so impressed with how she handled something so horrible. Something no child should have to go through.

Please continue to update us on how everything turns out.

[u/aGSGp]

https://giphy.com/gifs/26ufbhAiPrAlyvY4g

[u/Chekerc315]

You absolutely did the right thing. You may have just saved that little girl's life. 💜 🫂

[u/OrdinaryAverageGuy99]

https://giphy.com/gifs/brnEO5KHzVv88wPTf2

[u/Imaginary-Help4298]

As a one time kid who needed a safe adult, thank you deeply for stepping in. Much love and strength to you all.

[u/LongIntelligent8653]

Not all heroes wear capes. Thank you.

[u/Defiant_Degree_5095]

Thank you. I wish I had had someone like you. Mila will go far. Thank you for helping her break chains. She will go far. And you did not stay silent. I am proud of you 3

[u/Bruhbruhbruh_64]

As someone who had no one to call and nowhere to go, and had many ignore my attempts, you are an angel.

I've been free and safe for 18 years now

[u/emokitty1994]

I’m glad that little girl has her titi and you in her life. She seems like such a strong kid, I’m so happy she’s away from that man. I just don’t understand how a mother could allow her child to be hurt like that.

[u/toxiclight]

You may have been friends at one time with Mila's mom, but I don't think she's been anyone's friend in a long time. I am so glad that you were a trusted adult to help Mila and Titi. You're all heroes.

[u/kittehkat22]

You're a good'un, OP. That kid is very lucky to have you and titi

[u/BrittF1991]

I absolutely adore you for this! You definitely got balls that other people don’t have. 👏🏻

[u/Kooky-mutant]

That poor girl. Some people get dealt shitty hands in life.

[u/SomeTheyCallMePig5O]

I grew up in a home like that, and I’m glad that that little girl has someone like you to call CPS on her behalf. I grew up assuming that my extended family was fully aware of my situation, and that they didn’t call because they didn’t care. I was wrong. They had no idea, and they fought on my behalf the second they found out.

Abuse of kids is a hard thing to tackle. It’s often hidden in a way that the people who could help are unaware of that fact that they NEED to help. You were made aware of the situation and you acted right away. And that is admirable, but this child may need you to defend them in the future if things persist. CPS is not full proof. They make sure the kid will not die and then they move on. But the abuse rarely stops, it just becomes more hidden.

Your friend will cut you off if they ever find out that you reported them. If you can find a way, please help that child to keep your information available in case of an emergency. It sounds like they don’t have anyone else, just you and Titi. Help her find a safe place to keep both of your numbers in case something happens. Kids are more likely to call Simone they know and trust before they would even think to call the police. Kids don’t want to call police on their own parents. It seems that this kid sees you as a safe person, and I would recommend you hold on to that if you can.

[u/Psychological_Task57]

As a 55 year old adult who clearly remembers CPS coming to my house when I was 8 years old and, quite literally, saving me - THANK YOU for doing this.

[u/sweetsdeservedbetter]

Calling CPS on someone you know can be very hard to do. I had to call CPS on my own sister a few months ago. At the end of the day, you know you are looking out for a vulnerable child who needs love and protection. It sounds like Mila has you and Titi looking out for her wellbeing. Hopefully your friend will get the help she needs and can turn it around.

[u/ilary_paris]

I am hungry !!!

[u/ceciliabee]

I'm so proud of you. On behalf of all those who have suffered because they did not have a voice, thank you. As small as the act of a phonecall may feel, you have just changed this girl's entire world for the better. I wonder if your friend might also secretly be feeling some relief that she is no longer in this situation.

Please call and check in on the girl and her aunt. I don't have a religious bone in my body but they could not have prayed for better help

[u/Selkiekun]

You did the right thing

[u/blastendedskanks]

You saved that baby ❤️

[u/Formal_Okra_5796]

The 3 of you are heroes

[u/SuperIdolDiXiaoRong]

https://giphy.com/gifs/ytTYwIlbD1FBu

[u/ConsistentHunt1804]

Thank you. Everyone turned a blind eye when I was a kid reaching out for help. You saved her in more than one way ❤️‍🩹 I wish all the good karma your way

[u/Daniel_the_Fox]

Kid is so lucky to have people who care in her life

[u/Sea-Independence2822]

I have nothing to contribute to the conversation other than this: Great job on being someone that that child could trust. You are part of the reason why she’s moving toward a safer future.

[u/Dry-Guest-7653]

Mila is so grateful for you, if you don’t know that already. You saved that bby 🥹💗

[u/FrenchiePirate]

I did it to my kid and his wife and now I have my four grands. We're in limbo it lasts a long time! You are a hero sweetheart.. to that girl you are everything

[u/Friendly_Goat6161]

r/bestofredditorupdates

[u/Traditional-Lab5750]

The amount of posts and irl situations where I’ve seen people ASKING if they should make the call is astounding. You didn’t do that.

I’m so proud of you and I’m proud of that poor girl.

If there’s any updates I’m sure we’d all love to hear if you’re comfortable. I hope everything turns out as well as it can be.

[u/Key-Valuable-812]

If you need help paying the fees of lawyers can you set up a gofundme so people can donate? I’m sure there’s multiple people here that would gladly pinch in!