to be concerned about this child? (unsure if social services can help)

[mnthrowaway]

This is a bit of a delicate situation, I've always found mumsnet really helpful and I don't know where else to turn!

I've become worried that a child (5yo girl) I know is suffering abuse from their parents - I overheard an episode where she was threatened, sworn at and hit several times. There have also been other worrying signs - e.g. I've seen her taking leftover food from cafe tables, and noticed several bruises on her arms and legs

I want to inform social services so they can investigate her situation, but I'm worried what it will trigger. I think that other people have raised concerns about this child in the past, prompting professional involvement. In each case, the family has moved to a different area of the country, within a couple of weeks. I'm concerned that, if something is wrong, any social services investigation will just make things worse, by pushing them to move again, perhaps abroad

What can I do in this situation? Any advice would be appreciated, especially around the whole moving issue. Can it be prevented while social services investigate? Can cases like this be tracked across counties? Basically, what's the best way I can get help to this child?

[somewheresomehow]

Please please get in touch with social services and also tell them that the family may move house as soon as they are seen to be being investigated
if not SS they try the NSPCC but please alert someone the child must be in an awful situation behind doors if you have been able to witness some of it

[somewheresomehow]

www.nspcc.org.uk/what-you-can-do/

[Welshmaenad]

You absolutely need to inform social services of what you have observed, and also make them aware that the family have a tendency to move area when professionals become involved.

[Mrsstarlord]

Do get in touch, every part of the jigsaw is important for kids at risk of abuse

[mnthrowaway]

Thanks for the replies!

@NeedAScarfForMyGiraffe, no they don't change their name. How would SS trace them if they moved?

[IamtheDevilsAvocado]

Please report..!! SSd will take it from there... This is quite clearly abuse!


There's lots of cross area intelligence and interagency work...
Made. So much easier if they're not changing their name!

[IamtheDevilsAvocado]

PS alerts can be set up on for example NHS computers, school health.

Often unless these families go completely to ground under the radar it is quite easy to predict where people will turn up.

[APlaceOnTheCouch]

If you're genuinely concerned and have witnessed the incidents you describe then you should report them but tbh I'm confused how you know so much about this family (ie the frequent moves; earlier SS involvement) and yet SS don't.

[BackforGood]

I agree with everyone else.
Things have improve greatly in last few years, with inter agency work and information being shared across different agencies.
Please report the piece of the jigsaw you know about, and then let the professionals make any judgements with everything they know about.
Please dont' 'do nothing'.

[BackforGood]

*different areas of the country

[GloGirl]

phone social services immediately. If you know she is being hit at the time, phone 999.

[Sianilaa]

Please do inform SS! They will inform the new local authority when they track them down.

[mnthrowaway]

What's the best way to report this, especially how best to warn them about the moving?

Also, there's a chance the family could move abroad- what would happen then?

[Lucy61]

Google child protection or social services and the name of your council/ local authority and it will come up with contact details. You must inform them that there is a chance they might try to move.
They are used to tracking vulnerable families/ children and will know what to do.

Act ASAP

[Lucy61]

What is your relationship with the family?

[Yarp]

Tell SS what you have told us
Also school Child Protection Officer normal one of the SMT) if your child is at the same school.

[Heels99]

Please act now, don't hesitate further.

[Yarp]

And I agree to call police if you hear her being hit, there and then

[mnthrowaway]

Thanks for all the replies. Can anyone answer on what will happen if the family move abroad after SS call? Is there any way to stop this happening?

[kissmethere]

You need to report all your concerns and see including the moving issue. SS may be able to help with your queries.
Why do you keep asking what will happen if they move?

[kissmethere]

Is this child someone personal to you?

[AngelWings74]

You must act now to ensure child is safeguarded. As a social worker I am happy to give advice if you message me.

[JesusInTheCabbageVan]

How else are you expecting or hoping this situation to be resolved, if you don't report it? That's a genuine question. Being worried that the family might move is NOT a good reason not to report suspected abuse. I'm sure they've encountered other families that move around a lot.