I'm gonna be living next to a teen group home - now what?

[TrogL]

I was over visiting my new house and found a bunch of kids lounging in the alley. One of them offered to steal my car. I knew about the group home but just found out from one of the neighbours that they're pretty much unsupervised - the "minders" are hold up in the front room getting stoned.

I'm gonna be getting a security system installed. I don't really want a dog because I've got cats, but I can borrow my wife's dog (she lives across the alley - don't ask, that's a story unto itself).

I figure I've got a few choices:

[mahina]

1. We have one in our back yard literally,

and it's fine.

[juliagoolia]

2. LEAD BY EXAMPLE If you are cool with them

you can change lives.. and they will not harm you.

Make sure not to let your guard down though.. don't have them in your house.. dont let them know what you have/own. It might not be bad to mislead them even about what happened to some poor person that broke into your home at some point.. died from gunshot wounds.. laugh.. or poor thing is in prison.. or .. you can figure it out..

good luck I once had a teenage miguided one of my own who is a responsible mother today..

Just set boundaries..and if you make friends you will probably find they wont want to harm someone they care about ya know.. my kid never had parties when I was away or abused our home..but she was a hellion out and about LOL

[LibLover]

3. *other*

Be polite. Keep your distance. You cannot override the example they live with or their past experiences. I work in a law office that deals primarily with family law. Your kindness will only be taken advantage of. I may be wrong, but not too often on this one.

There's no reason to be mean to them or be particularly stand-offish, just don't let them into your life. Be personable, but keep your conversations brief.

[Piperay]

4. I would get an alarm service

(in fact that is just what I am doing because I am having some trouble with neighbors and fear what they will do while I am away) get the kind that does drive by and has an armed response if there is a break-in.

[BensMom]

5. Light up

I'd get outdoor lights - the lights with motion detectors are good.

Be friendly with them, but at the perimeter of your property.

[TrogL]

7. the lights sounds like a good idea

I was also going to put up some X-cams. Anybody know if they work at 40 below?

[tigereye]

you might want to make an anonymous call to the employers of

the minders... kids in a group home need lots of supervision and support... not staff getting stoned.

[JSJ]

6. be a guiding presence to these who have so little nt

[Rambis]

8. Start a dope growing operation

Use the proceeds to finance a move. ALL TONGUE AND CHEEK FOLKS! Treat them with respect and they will be ok with you. If somebody gets out of line let them know it. Keep any conflicts between you and the individual in question not the group as a hole and you will be better off.

[liontamer]

9. There's one down the street from us and we haven't had any trouble

although maybe it's because the kids are well supervised

[the Princess]

10. Relax Dude

They'll know where to get the best pot! You lucky dog!

[arwalden]

11. Is It The "Burnside Memorial Home for Single Mothers"

[MaryBear]

12. Another other

Depends on why kids are there.

Install motion sensor lights outside and timed lights inside.

Don't have staff or kids in your home