My sister has been taking crack cocaine

[SummerGardenFlowers]

NC for this and will try to keep the details vague, but I could do with a bit of advice from people not involved.

DSis is single mum to DNiece late primary school age. Has always done drugs, quite disordered lifestyle, struggles to hold down a job etc. I got told by somebody I trust that they have very recently witnessed DSis smoking crack cocaine. DNiece was not in the house but I am confident that I don't know the half of it generally. This is the second time now that I've heard this. DSis has lost a lot of weight recently.

I am not particularly close to DSis although we do live close to each other- completely different lives/lifestyles, I'm fairly straight laced/got my act together. DNiece does occasionally come to stay and the last time she did, she looked awful - tired, grubby clothes. She is becoming quite withdrawn but I'm not close enough to pry really, however on hearing this I'm so desperately worried about what's going on at home. I know the house is a mess, DSis often has people round getting off their faces etc, either that or she's in bed on a comedown. She does currently have a job and I worry about the impact that any action would have on that.

So where do I go with this information? Talking to DSis won't work, have tried that in the past and she gets very defensive, insists she knows what she's doing etc. But this is a step up to another level - CRACK ffs. I am leaning towards social services. I just want what's best for my niece.

Social services, immediately

I'd contact Social Services. Don't contact your sister, you need to protect your niece.

Tbh I think social services. This cannot be a good environment- if it was just hearsay snd you knew all was fine then perhaps you could put it down to gossip, but as you know she isn't coping particularly well, plus has people coming round and everything you mentioned it is pretty clear cut. Maybe have a word with her first of course and see if there is any chance she will willingly engage with help but something needs to be done.

Definitely children’s services.

Yes, Social Services now. You can look on your local authority website for the number. If you have any problems getting through or making contact with them I would actually contact the police (101 unless you have reason to believe she is in immediate danger).

Unfortunately I have experience in this area, however SIL was on heroin. Like you say, people round there all the time getting high. Kids had no routine, 2 year old not going to bed until 1am frequently, 12 year old not going to school etc.
I called social services and reported the situation. Unfortunately not a lot has been done but they offered parenting courses, did well fare checks, involved the school and put the kids on a protection plan.
She doesn't know it was me who reported her and she has made vast improvement.
Please report this to social services, your your nieces sake. She cannot reach out for help herself so is relying on someone seeing the issue and acting

I would say definitely social services, don't try and talk to your sister. Crack is a horrible, pernicious drug and you talking to her won't make it stop but could affect your relationship if you then go to social services.

It might be worth talking to the school as well as I feel all safeguarding measures possible should be brought into play if she already has drug use in the house. I know from a close friend's upbringing that this behaviour is really damaging for kids to be around, plus there is the danger of contact with really risky people and even accidentally ingesting drugs.

You have to contact social services. This is so so dangerous for your niece. Your sister is going down the path. Not up it. It only gets worse now.

Where is DN’s father? Can he take her? Failing that I would attempt to take her yourself in your shoes.

SS and I rarely say that. Be prepared before you call for what your answer is in terms of if you can look after your DN.

Also have experience in this area.

As others have said, social services immediately and do not downplay anything. If niece already exhibits signs of neglect then she needs immediate, professional intervention.

Is there a family member who would be willing and able to look after niece if it becomes necessary?

I would also speak to the child's school.

Thank you for your answers, really it's just confirming my own thoughts. In answer to some questions, DNiece is not in contact with her dad who has now got a "new family" - long story that I won't go into but that would be a no-go. In theory she could come here, she is at the same school as my DD BUT we don't have a spare room, currently 5 of us in a 3 bed house. There are several other family members though who could perhaps help.

I am aware of the creeping nature of the addiction to these drugs and it terrifies me - like a PP said, she is heading down the path. Maybe some involvement from SS will scare the bejeezus out of her.

Social Services, today.

Even if they deem her unable to look after her DD, they'll place her with family if at all possible, instead of foster care, as it's considered to be better for the child. It doesn't sound like staying with family would be a bad option for your niece right now.

Social services, also agree with a PP who suggested contacting DNiece’s school, to make them aware of the situation.

I hope your sister gets the help she needs.

Agree you need to contact social services today. I'd also say speak to school, especially as you already have a relationship with them as your child is there. I can imagine you're worried because it's your sister but it's a little girl's future on the line here.

Just for information...

Crack is often a precursor for heroin. The argument goes, the crack gets you high but the comedown leaves you edgy and heroin takes the edge off that.

Taking action now could interrupt that process....