On occasion, this trouble can turn into tragedy. For the sake of the children of the community, there are some things that can be done. Children who are alone at home in the afternoon may call this telephone line and speak to a grandmother or grandfather for reassurance. Having a calm, loving voice on the other end of the phone can frequently be of great help to a child who is lonely and frightened. If there is a real problem, the volunteer can call the police, fire, or ambulance services for immediate assistance.
Parents can also make a difference by becoming a neighborhood home.
As you become aware that some children return home to an empty house, you could make arrangements to host one or more children for a few hours in the afternoon. If this is too much to do in your home, perhaps the local church would be interested in beginning an after-school ministry. With a little creativity, an afternoon storytime, a movie hour, or even a tutoring program could be a safe haven for children who otherwise would be returning to an empty home. Reverse the Trend in Abuse Understanding that no community is immune from the plague of child abuse and neglect, parents must keep watchful eye for signs of children at risk. Mysterious bruises, unusual burns, and dramatic changes in behavior may all be indications of abuse.