To report my neighbour to social services

Shamefully I didn't report my neighbour for a few years but when I heard her call the children a bunch of cunts, I contacted child social services. I had to call twice because after the first time she took the report out on the children, thinking they'd done it.

She asked me if I had reported her, which I denied and was removed from the home for 3 months. When she came back, it was much better but she moved away.

Yes you report

I think people will escalate and immediately think that the children will be taken away. Very very unlikely. Most likely they'll be put on child in need plan and offer courses and help mum get respite, mental health support etc

This whole situation sounds really upsetting, and it’s clear you’re coming from a place of concern, not judgement.

Just to understand a bit more — does the screaming happen at specific times of day? Like before or after school? And what about during the day when it’s just the 2-year-old at home — does she scream at them too?

Also, when you say screaming, is it just shouting out of frustration (which most parents do at times), or is it more aggressive — like swearing, insults, or threats? That kind of thing can cross the line into emotional abuse, especially if the children sound scared.

If this has been going on for years and is happening daily, you’re right to be worried. Even an anonymous referral could be the first step in getting that family the support they need — not punishment, just help.

Poor kids. Yes, it sounds like you should report this.

Send it!! It probably won’t lead to any change at all sadly but the least you could do is try. The poor kids are probably already very damaged by this behaviour of hers.

Same for me, causes me so much hurt as an adult to think back on how many people knew what was happening us in our home and did nothing to help. It’s so hurtful. Please report. Don’t be surprised if nothing is done, keep reporting if it keeps happening. And like others have said you can approach the school.

Please contact social services tomorrow morning. I work in this field. Please do it as this is not ok. The mother may need help, and the children certainly might need support. Ignore any posters on here saying otherwise, they probably aren't well educated and don't realise the long term effects. Don't underplay it, tell ss what you've heard.

Report please op. The children need a voice.

Yes do it. During lockdown our neighbours spend day in day out screaming and shouting and ranting at their young children (way beyond the stressed out moment I and most others had during that time) We reported to the police, and many other neighbours did too. The school stepped in and they had regular visits from social services and the police. Tbh it didn’t really stop while they were living here but I felt like as a community we did what we could.

Tell social services, her kids are only young and shouldn’t be screamed at daily. She might not be coping at all, doesn’t sound like she is.

God, poor babies. I know people who have been reported to social services for far less - all cleared of course but better safe than sorry! It takes a village does it not? Look out for those kids ❤️

What type of things is she screaming? Not excusing it but there's a big difference between put your shoes on/ don't smack your brother, than endless ranting and raving abuse. Does it go on for prolonged periods?

Another nudge to do the right thing OP.

It's been 3 years, it hasn't improved.

If you know the school the elder child goes to, you can call them and speak to the safeguarding lead if you don't want to complete an anonymous form.

Maybe that way you can give fuller information.

we all have a duty to report this kind of thing, sadly many life’s can be saved by reporting suspicions promptly.

It’s not interfering, you’re expressing concern about small children with a view to mum getting some support. If there’s any interference needed, social work will do it - that’s the job they’re trained and paid to do.

School safeguarding lead here. You can make an anonymous referral to Children's Services and, hopefully they will speak to the older child's school to see if they have any concerns. If you know what school the child goes to that would be helpful. General shouting is unlikely to raise much concern, it is important to mention if you hear any swearing, name-calling or criticism directed at the children and to be as specific as you can about this. Make sure you mention that the children sound distressed and frightened, also the frequency and duration of Mum's outbursts. They will probably ask if you have any concerns about the children's presentation, do they look clean, appropriately dressed for the weather etc.

The most likely outcome is that someone from Children's Services will call the Mum, inform her that an anonymous referral has been made and ask her if she wants any support. Based on the information in your OP, this will be entirely voluntary. Parents cannot be compelled to engage with Children's Services unless there is clear evidence that a child is at risk of significant harm, and the threshold for what is considered "significant" is very high these days. However, I work with many parents who do accept support. Most people who are referred to CS love their kids and are doing their best in difficult circumstances, it may be that this Mum feels terrible about the way she behaves towards her children and wants to change but doesn't know how. Or she may have grown up in a home where everyone screamed at each other and think this is 'normal'. She might welcome some support. Even if she doesn't, once a referral is in the system it will then be visible to CS if there are any referrals in future from other neighbours, school or Nursery for example so its still important information in case concerns escalate in future.

Please report it. Those poor children. You'll never forgive yourself if it escalates and she kills them. That might sound extreme, but it sadly happens.

Try and record audio of it as its going on as well, or even better as a video. This will negate her being able to wrangle out of it under 'disguised compliance' if they attend.

It’s not interfering it’s safeguarding

Same.

Please report it. My GC was living in a terrible situation but lived 2 hours away from me. If it hasn't been for some concerned neighbours we would never have known. GC was removed and has lived with us for the last 2 years. They have needed therapy and have on going emotional issues. A child has no one to speak for them and as a society we have a duty to protect them.

I guess it depends what you are hearing. Is she swearing? Is she saying horrible things to them? Do you know whats being said?

Clicked the wrong button - but of course you should report. Safeguarding is everyone's business and it's not interfering. If nothing untoward is going on, they have nothing to fear. But you dont know what else children's services might already know that could suggest they're in desperate need of support.

Do you know which school the older one goes to?

You can report it to the safeguarding lead there.

Their details will be on the website of the school and you can email them directly.

This needs reporting. Its not unusual to lose your shit now and then but if this is their normal dynamic then that's bad for the kids and the family needs support.