Would you report to Social Services?

[TwinklySloth]

Hi, I'm new here but I thought this would be a good place to ask this question..
My neighbours have...issues. They have a daughter who's in my sons class so 11 years old, and several times a week there is such horrifying blood-curdling screaming, shouting and general mayhem from everyone in the house. Their back garden is a genuine health hazard, piles and piles of dog poo on top of piles and piles of junk, every single square inch of the garden is unusable, and it stinks and makes me wonder what inside the house is like, anyway today the mother (who seems to be the one with the most problems) was having a screaming match with her neighbour on the other side, it was something about the daughter crying in the street and the mother being, and I quote 'off your tts on drugs' from what I could make out as most of it was unintelligible, but it's got to a point where I'm seriously considering calling social services. And the RSPCA. When I see the child she never appears to be physically hurt and I really don't think she is being physically hurt, but my god the screaming, shouting and banging episodes, with the mother constantly bellowing about leaving and how she's 'had enough of all you c*ts' accompanied by a cacophony of dog barking and slamming doors and things being thrown against walls is really beginning to concern me. It doesn't seem to be an ideal environment for a child at all. But I'm assuming this family already has social workers as I think I've heard them talking about it before so...it can't be that bad if the social workers go to their home regularly?

Would you report this? Naturally, I'm afraid of these people knowing I reported them. Please don't have a go at me, I know some people might think I'm a bit stupid for asking this question.

Thanks

Yes, report them.

I would definitely talk to school about it.

Yeah I'd report that. And if you can record on your phone any of the screaming and shouting and crashing around as evidence. That cannot be pleasant for a child to be living.

Report them. They won't do shit about it though

Yes I have considered this, many times, what stops me is they'll know it was me and I'm worried about being on these peoples bad side 😬

Yo can also call the police for a report of potential domestic abuse.

If it's as you reported here then I'd call both and tell the Safeguarding lead at school.

Anonymous referral into social services

Please do report.
You can do so today online via the NSPCC website https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/reporting-abuse/report/ or by calling the Police, or following this link for your local Children’s Services department
https://www.gov.uk/report-child-abuse-to-local-council

Yes, phone the police every time, and say you are concerned for the safety of the child in the house.

Isn’t she more likely to think that is the other neighbour, as she has beef with her already.

Report her!

Report anonymously to social services. Report to the RSPCA. See if you can report the garden to environmental health.

I disagree with those so definite that nothing will be done (though sadly that can be the case, and social service's standards can be low)- it's possible it might make a difference. Sometimes this adds to a body evidence that helps to build a case (have witnessed this happen).

I would keep myself anonymous though, it's rarely worth involving yourself if you are not reporting in an official capacity.

If she’s a tenant report the noise nuisance and state of garden to the landlord. I’d report maybe anonymously to social services. Imagine how you’d feel if something happened to the child and you’d done nothing. Not trying to guilt trip you but to me it’s the best way to decide

Report it. I don't think that you have much choice really. They'll think it's the one they were fighting with.

Thank you, I will. It's less direct child abuse and more the shockingly poor mental state of the parents as well as drug abuse I think, but still, by extension could probably considered abuse, certainly not an environment for a child to thrive.

Yes please do report it. They may have social services involvement already, however your report will still be important. This may be the report they need to take things further. We all have a duty to safeguard children as they can’t safeguard themselves.

I would also report the outside environment to the council.

If you know or trust the other neighbour I might try and discuss with them. To see if they have shared concerns and if they have heard or witnessed anything.

@TwinklySloth
Another definite vote for reporting.
A PP has said that Social Services won't do anything 'though. We don't know if SS are already involved.
The child may or may not be being physically abused, as in being hit, punched, etc, but she is certainly being abused mentally and emotionally.
I was a social worker, from the mid 70's to late 80's, and we would have removed a child living in those circumstances if all other interventions had failed.
From stories I see and hear in the media, I suspect the bar has been set higher regarding child abuse/neglect/safeguarding. This may be due to higher demand, staff shortages, funding cuts........I don't know as I'm so out of touch now.
How SS or whoever respond is not in your control, but reporting your concerns is.
You will be doing the right thing, and have my thanks for being prepared to do what we all should do in situations like this..