It seems like our last snowfall is still a recent memory, and yet here we are at the end of another school year and the onset of summer. That means we’ll soon be seeing a lot more children in the area during the day.
This time of year, I typically notice an increase in well-meaning calls to my UWPD colleagues or me about unsupervised young children. We recognize the variety of individual, cultural, and family differences in our community. But it’s important to note that social service organizations in the United States typically expect children under 10 years old to be supervised by a responsible adult. That most frequently translates to direct, line-of-sight supervision.
It’s also important to remember that children, especially the very young, may have a hard time distinguishing between the similar-looking buildings in the University Apartments communities. It’s not uncommon for me to be called about a child that wandered into the wrong apartment, thinking it was their own (BTW, lock your doors, even when you’re at home).
When you’re watching a child or children outside and need to go inside – even for a moment – please bring them with you or ask another responsible adult to watch them in your absence.
If you’re concerned about an unsupervised young child in the community, please call the UWPD non-emergency number 608-264-2677 or the University Apartments Office 608-262-3407.
Congratulations, graduates, and enjoy the summer.
Jeff Kirchman
University Apartments Community Police Officer
608-264-2677 | jkirchman@wisc.edu
University Apartments Community Center, Room 131