I've had two situations with Children and Youth (C&Y). Both amazed me.
First one, my neighbor's husband passed away. Everything went down hill from there. Open and closed cases with C&Y. House has broken windows and lawn hasn't been mowed all summer. At some point Mom goes out of the country for a breast augmentation and leaves young children with babysitter. Babysitter isn't there, at all. Paternal grandmother calling police, school and C&Y with no help. Electricity turned off and kids come to my house. I call C&Y. Explain to them the situation and that the children have no clean clothing, a pet has defecated all over the house, no electricity, no adult supervision, etc... I tell them the children will be staying overnight with me.
They basically say ok. They did not ask me any questions. At the end of the call I asked if they wanted my name and address and the women says, "oh, um... yeah ok."
Just for reference I live in an upscale neighborhood in an upperclass town. This family has a never ending file with police, C&Y, the school, etc... the system has failed these children. The grandmother continues to fight but she legally has no rights to these children.
Second time. In another state that is known for strict marijuana laws. Mother finds out baby daddy is growing and selling pot out of his home with child living there part time. She calls DFS with proof and pictures. DFS and police get information wrong and give dad plenty of time to clean up and dispose of evidence despite his admitting to the crime. Within a month dad is completely cleared and child has to go back to his house. He has no job, a suspended license yet mom has not choice.
The system is messed up.