Parents who let kids walk home alone to appeal 'unsubstantiated' finding in neglect case

SILVER SPRING, Md. – A Maryland couple says Child Protective Services will keep a file on them for five years after they let their children walk home from a park without an adult.

Danielle and Alexander Meitiv told local news outlets that despite learning in a letter last week that they've been found responsible for unsubstantiated child neglect, they'll still let their 10-year-old son and 6-year-old daughter walk by themselves. They plan to appeal the finding.

Officials began investigating in December when police officers picked up the children walking back to their Silver Spring home. The couple says they're teaching self-reliance.

Officials declined to comment on the case, but say an unsubstantiated finding is made when there's some information supporting child neglect, seemingly credible reports disagree or there isn't enough information for a conclusion.