So, the neighbor kid stole from us

We have this neighbor kid (he's about 13) who lives with his aunt and has had kind of a hard time. No dad, a mom who can't or won't care for him and his sister, trouble in school, etc. We've "hired" him to walk our dog and for some occasional light yard work -- mainly so that he can earn some extra money.

But recently, when he came over to walk the dog, he took about $60 from my wife's purse. We thought he might have stolen money one other time... but the situation was more ambiguous and we weren't sure. This time, it was very obvious.

To cut to the chase, we talked with the aunt. The kid confessed and apologized and we got the $60 back. I still have no idea what he was thinking. Was it the thrill? Is he on drugs? The question is: what next? I am hesitant to involve the cops. On the other hand, I feel he got off easy and might not learn a big enough lesson from all of this. And on the other, other hand, he's not my kid and I don't know what kind of discipline he is facing at home.

But, I also see that the kid is headed for trouble. And even though I an thoroughly pissed at him right now, I also know he needs something. Given how easily he was caught, I think the theft could have been a cry for help in some ways. I wonder what, if anything, I should offer as help to his beleaguered aunt that would help her drive home to him the notion that he is headed down the wrong path.

Thoughts?

what makes you think the kid hasn't learned his lesson? I don't know.....what would the law do to the kid?

At 13, I doubt the cops would do more than put a scare into him. The reason I am worried is that th aunt confided that he stole from her a couple times, too. So, there is a pattern here.

What more is there?

I'd leave it at that.

It is nice of you to be concerned, but he is the aunt's problem; not yours. You aren't Father Flanigan (are you?)!

even negative attention is attention.

but I do think some kind of intervention is required - you are correct, it is a sign he needs help.

But here, if he was charged, and assuming he had no criminal history, he would be sent to a diversion program where it would not be an offense that counted against him, and he and his family would be given help like counseling. He may get some community service and evaluations depending on his mental state.

Not a bad choice if you think they are in need of services