There are no good excuses for what LW1's daughter did not do. I know it's hearsay, but had she done anything commendable, LW1 wouldn't have written with her particular questions & concerns. So I say, shame on LW1's daughter for not having an ounce of creative problem solving skills, and yes, it would've taken only a friggin OUNCE 2 get this kid some help. Nevermind she was tired (we actually don't know that as fact) & had 2 wake up early next morning. With all the abusive parents out there, this kid was obviously in a very bad situation. Teen BOYS don't cry on door steps because Dad won't buy him a Gameboy or let him get a tattoo. There obviously was serious strife going on in that boy's household. I doubt it had to do with being grounded 4 not doing chores. Shame on the one adult he hoped to help him 4 bailing out. And can we really believe that all the boy needed was a place to sleep? You're kidding, right? The fact he was gone means he knew his friend's mother was worthless as help.