To think they should give these kids a break?

[QuestioningStuff]

The area I live in is generally not great, rough part of east london, a lot of drugs etc.

On my road is a home for young teenagers in care. As is probably to be expected there is occasional shouting/kids storming out and rowing with eachother. It's directly opposite to me so I can say with confidence that it's not constant. In general they're not a nuisance and just hang out being kids. I know a few of them to say hello to and they're not bad kids.

Someone has put letters through everyone's doors on my road saying they want to write to our local MP and report the property for antisocial behaviour and asking for people to back them up basically.

AIBU to think this is really harsh? What do they want? These kids will have had a shit time already to be in the position they're in, they're really not much trouble and what do they want to happen, for them to be moved to yet another place?

It just seems horrible to me, and I have to assume the person doing this hasn't had to live the life these kids have lived.

[QuestioningStuff]

Oh I mentioned that my area is rough to just highlight that these kids should be the least of anyone's problems.

[MrsHathaway]

Nimbyism, you think? Or do they think the home is a focus for trouble?

[Micah]

So don't back them up then.

I have had letters saying the same about bus routes, airport plane runways and routings, all of which I disagreed with. Nobody backed them up, so the council did nothing.

If it does get further, you can always write with a counter argument.

[QuiteLikely5]

You don't really know what the person has been subjected to by the children. It may well be something serious.

A letter to the MP will trigger some investigation but if there is no genuine reason for an ASBO then they simply won't get one.

What the children have been through in their past is a separate issue entirely.

[QuiteLikely5]

Oops sorry I see you didn't mention ASBO (skin reading!)

[QuiteLikely5]

Nope SKIM reading!

[ArtyKitty]

No. In my opinion Yanbu. And I'm glad those teenagers have you as a neighbour. I think you sound lovely.

[QuestioningStuff]

Well I suppose there could be a genuine cause for complaint but I really do doubt it.

There are a few people on our road who have been there for decades ie before the area turned to shit and I would imagine that could be upsetting for them. But it feels like these kids are being targeted because it's easy, when they're really not the problem.

I dunno it made me sad to think everyone on the road would be getting a letter asking them to report it. It feels like bullying to me.

[WorraLiberty]

Someone has put letters through everyone's doors on my road saying they want to write to our local MP and report the property for antisocial behaviour and asking for people to back them up basically.

Maybe they just want the staff to keep a tighter handle on it?

[QuestioningStuff]

Worra then they clearly have no clue about teenagers

[ThrebnellBlewitt]

Agree with ArtyKitty YANBU OP at all.

I don't suppose 'the leafleters' had come up with some suggestions of positive stuff e.g local DJing project/skatepark or something of that ilk that might actually help them blow off steam or is it all just negative?

Might be worth calling the NYAS (National Youth Advocacy Service) helpline to pass on the info to their independent advocates who visit the care home, as their role is to speak direct to the young people in the home and support them to effect change themselves, if it is desired or needed. Just a heads up really so the advocates are aware of the situation before they visit (depending upon the area), NYAS advocates will probably visit once a month or every 6 weeks to meet up with the residents.

Hopeful something positive might come out of this for you all.

[MrsTerryPratchett]

I've worked in a few small shelters and places for homeless youth. My first advice to them is 'don't shit where you eat'. Because whatever happens in the area will be blamed on you. We always had a few lovely neighbours who stuck up for us. Thanks for being that neighbour.

[MrsTerryPratchett]

Obviously I don't put it like that to them.

[QuestioningStuff]

Mrs that's one of my dads favourite sayings

Threbnell thanks very much for that I'll definitely look into that tomorrow

[QuestioningStuff]

Also, does anyone have any idea what could actually happen if a lot of people to report stuff to the local MP?

[Myname15]

Jesus, people are twats sometimes. Those poor kids are likely to already feel ostracized, and surely if there had been a separate incident worthy of report you wouldn't have been contacted as that wouldn't require you're help if you'd not witnessed it..? Threb has it right, pity folk can't be positive and helpful. And if you're worried about MPs involvement, can you get in there first? You sound really lovely. Good on ya for actually considering their situation

[Littlefluffyclouds81]

It is shitty but on the plus side there is a massive shortage of places for kids in care to be, so if it's just a case of NIMBY then I suspect they are pissing in the wind here. Something pretty major would have to have happened I reckon. I know of 2 care homes that were closed down but that was after sexual abuse between staff and children in care. Thing is, even without there being a care home nearby I would imagine a not so great area of East London has plenty of wayward teenagers running around anyway, so not sure what the leafleters are trying to achieve.

[enterthedragon]

Take the leaflet across the road and show it to the staff, they have a right to know what someone in the road thinks of these kids and by telling them they may be able to do something themselves to try and make the situation better. Forewarned is forearmed as my old granddad used to say.

Good on you for caring enough.

[Noodledoodledoo]

I agree with the get in there first - contact your MP saying that some from the local area seem to have an issue - but put your view point across. Say you want to show your support and not everyone locally has an issue.

Is the leaflet anoymous?