Getting property records to set up purchase transactions or to execute a purchase agreement is highly crucial when you are a buyer. These records bear all the details crucial for the sale of a property and give you an upper hand, especially when you are the buyer. The best details for negotiation are usually found in the history of the property, and when you compare properties based on their property records, your decision is definitely bound to be more logical than just going with facts that you are informed of by the owners. While most purchasers rely just on the data provided by the multiple listing service (MLS), there are other avenues for receiving property records.
Why are property records really that important? Well, if you could negotiate on the final price and push it slightly below than what the owners expected, it’s definitely a win situation for your finances. Let say you are looking at property records and find out that the current owners are a couple, and they want to sell in the face of their divorce. Now that you have this information, you know that they are motivated to get the proceedings cleared soon, and thus, there is a chance that they can drop a little lower on the price. Moreover, if through a property record search, you find out that the property was listed some time ago and is still to be sold, you can further find out what the reason is and negotiate better terms with the owner for a price reduction. When the property has been on the market too long, the owner is definitely trying to get the property off the hook as soon as possible. These are not the only details, you can also find details such as if the property is listed just now or have there been previous listings and withdrawn, foreclosure details, improvements on the property, cost of the original structure, etc.
The most common place to search for property records is at the public records offices. Each city has a records office that bears all the details and information pertaining to all properties in the area. You can just visit the county courthouse or the city hall and request the respective personnel to help you gain access to the property’s deeds or encumbrances.
Child neglect is the most common form of maltreatment of children where their basic needs are not sufficiently met. These needs include adequate clothing, food, education, nurturing, emotional support, and health care. Neglect can result in harm or distress for the child or interfere with their development. So, it is important to recognize the common signs of child neglect to address the issue and protect the children using the right support measures.
Common signs of child neglect
Neglect can be physical and emotional. Some of the common signs of child neglect are:
Poor hygiene and unkempt appearance
When a child is physically neglected by caregivers, they may seem untidy. They could also lack good personal hygiene and have severe body odor. Further, the child may not wear appropriate clothes for the weather, and the clothing can seem unwashed or smelly. Due to unhygienic conditions, they may also show symptoms of skin infections such as scabies, flea bites, rashes, ringworm, and sores. For toddlers and infants, this form of neglect may manifest as recurring occurrences of nappy rashes.
Extreme changes in behavior
This is a sign of physical as well as emotional neglect that has developed over a long time, sometimes years. At a certain point, one may notice severe behavioral changes in the child. They can become extremely clingy or withdrawn into themselves, refusing to socialize. Sometimes, the child will exhibit aggressive or obsessive behavior. Some children experience anxiety, paranoia, and depression due to neglect. Further, persistent neglect can make a child exhibit antisocial behavior.
Poor academic performance
Another common sign of child neglect is drastic changes in performance at school. A neglected child undergoes trauma and psychological distress, making it hard for them to pay attention in class. Also, due to parental or guardian neglect, the child will often miss school leading to poor attendance records. As a result, they find it hard to keep up with the rest of the class and may not be able to grasp what is being taught in class. The child will be unable to complete assignments and projects on time and may persistently fail in tests. Their social skills become poor, and they may find it difficult to relate or connect with their classmates.
Frequent health issues
Another telltale sign that a child is neglected is failing health. This mostly results from a lack of regular and well-balanced meals. The deficiency of adequate nutrients, along with the psychological distress due to neglect, manifests in the form of several health issues in the child. They will show symptoms of anemia, weak muscle tone, malformed joints, and dental problems. Also, the child may go through recurring infections, such as in the ears or stomach. As a result, their abdominal region may appear too slim or swollen. The child may also have untreated injuries resulting from frequent accidents due to a lack of supervision. Additionally, they may experience fatigue. The caregivers may also not keep up with the child’s medical appointments.
Developmental problems
Another common sign of a child being neglected is developmental problems. Emotional and physical neglect affects the kid’s ability to reach developmental milestones that other children their age achieve. As a result, the child may have below-average language and social skills. Also, they may experience stunted or slow physical and emotional growth.
Housing issues
This is a less apparent sign of child neglect, which only becomes known when a social worker or a community worker visits the child’s home. They may observe that the kid’s bedtime, daily routine, and curfew time are overlooked. Also, the home could be unfit and unsanitary for a child, say, it lacks proper heating, light, or running water. Further, the child could be left unsupervised and alone for long periods of time. Sometimes, the child’s needs are neglected when they are compelled to become a caregiver for another member of the family, like younger siblings or an ailing parent.
Support measures
A child exhibiting just one of the above-mentioned signs does not necessarily mean they are neglected. But it becomes crucial to pay close attention if one notices such signs. In such cases, the following measures can be taken:
Listening to the child: It is important to avoid dismissing the child if they say they are being mistreated or neglected. So, one should refrain from questioning or doubting their claims or memory of the neglect. Dismissing their experience can make the child shut down and become afraid to report what they are going through. The best thing to do in such situations is to remain calm and reassuring.
Ensuring safety: Before helping the child, one should ensure their safety so that the intervention does not cause more harm to the child. Also, it is possible that the support may be considered a threat when caregivers suspect interference. So, one should observe the situation closely and connect with professionals to avoid putting themselves and the child in danger. Professionals will be able to handle the situation in the best way.
Reporting neglect: If one has reason to believe that a child is being neglected and it is threatening their wellbeing, it is important to report it. In addition, if it is evident that the incidences of neglect have been occurring repeatedly, one should report each incident separately. When significant information is provided over time, there is a higher chance the child will receive adequate assistance.
While several people participate in annual or bi-annual fundraising programs, it is not for everyone, especially for the people with no excess income. But that is not to say that such individuals cannot give back to society. If one is determined to help make a change, there are various ways to donate to charity. This can be via lending manpower, taking up service responsibility, etc. All you need is a little effort and some time.
6 non-monetary ways to donate to charity
By being creative
Are you a passionate baker? Or are you well versed in the art of sewing? Maybe knitting? What we are trying to say is you can put your skills to use for the greater good. You can find shelter homes, retirement communities, or schools that could use a little help with their community. Put together some of your creations and donate them to make their day a little brighter.
By being active
You can organize or participate in various marathons and triathlons to give back to people. Participate in events affiliated with or trying to raise funds for charities. If you look closely, you can find one happening at least every month in your city.
By being helpful
If monetary help is not something you can manage, be charitable with your time. Volunteer at soup kitchens or go to a public library and read to children. You can even volunteer at animal shelters and help them with cleaning and maintenance activities. Teaching kids from underprivileged communities is another way of being charitable on a daily basis.
By donating old possessions
Donating stuff that you have outgrown or don’t find useful anymore is one of the basic forms of charity. Sort different donation boxes for clothes, toys, shoes, and household items. If you are a traveler, you can even put together a box of hotel toiletries and donate it to the needy.
By donating miles
Multiple airlines are likely willing to help you in your act of kindness. Once you have accumulated enough miles to donate, contact your airline and inquire about the cause they support or the charity they contribute to.
By not littering
You don’t have to feel bad about not being able to fit charitable events into your busy schedule. Instead, try fitting small acts of charity into your daily routine. While out for your run or walk, pick up the litter and properly dispose of it. It will help clear walkways for people as well as animals.