There are certain situations where we, as responsible citizens, need to step in and do the right thing if we see an injustice being carried out – especially where children are involved. However, we can certainly see why Jacqui Kendrick is feeling so angry and frustrated right now.
The Canada-based mum-of-three has made headlines around the world, after sharing the story of how a neighbour reported her to child services – after spotting two of her kids (aged five and 10) playing unsupervised in their fenced back garden.
Jacqui took to Facebook to recount what happened when the ‘concerned citizen’ passed her home recently.
“I don't know if you watched for bit, or you just noticed for a minute, but you realised that you didn't see me or my husband around. Now, I have no idea what went on inside your head when you saw some kids playing in a yard. Me, personally, I would've thought, ‘how nice that kids are actually outside playing and enjoying the weather after a long winter’. But you, you decided that because you couldn't see me (I have a huge yard and windows looking over my backyard) you assumed that my children were neglected,” she wrote.
After being reported, Jacqui and her husband were investigated by the authorities. Among the topics investigated during their interviews were the discipline of their children, their income, and any drink or drug use.
“How embarrassing, and degrading for me. I am a good parent. My kids are well taken care of. The worker is also going to go talk to my kids at their school. So now the school will know that we are dealing with CFS. All because I let my kids play outside!” wrote a devastated Jacqui.
She went on to lament the fact that her family will have a file with the authorities for the rest of their lives, after learning that local laws call for all children under the age of 12 to be supervised.
Addressing the person who filed the report in the first place, Jacqui sent out a powerful message.
“Next time you want to be a ‘Concerned Citizen’, can you please make sure you have your facts straight before turning someone's life upside down? And, CFS, I think you need to handle complaints a little differently. I know you need to check up on concerns, but really? Kids playing outside in a fenced yard should not be a concern,” she added.
As you can imagine, there has been a strong reaction to Jacqui’s post, with hundreds of parents jumping to her defence.
What are your thoughts on Jacqui’s ordeal?
