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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

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

61 replies

mnthrowaway · 20/05/2015 17:35

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?

OP posts:
somewheresomehow · 20/05/2015 17:42

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 · 20/05/2015 17:43

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

Welshmaenad · 20/05/2015 17:43

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.

NeedAScarfForMyGiraffe · 20/05/2015 17:47

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Mrsstarlord · 20/05/2015 17:49

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

Zanussi · 20/05/2015 17:56

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
mnthrowaway · 20/05/2015 17:56

Thanks for the replies!

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

OP posts:
IamtheDevilsAvocado · 20/05/2015 18:08

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 · 20/05/2015 18:12

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 · 20/05/2015 18:17

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 · 20/05/2015 18:17

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 · 20/05/2015 18:17

*different areas of the country

GloGirl · 20/05/2015 18:19

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

Sianilaa · 20/05/2015 18:19

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

Original poster
mnthrowaway · 20/05/2015 18:34

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?

OP posts:
Lucy61 · 20/05/2015 18:46

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 · 20/05/2015 18:47

What is your relationship with the family?

Yarp · 20/05/2015 18:48

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 · 20/05/2015 18:48

Please act now, don't hesitate further.

Yarp · 20/05/2015 18:49

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

Original poster
mnthrowaway · 20/05/2015 19:47

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?

OP posts:
kissmethere · 20/05/2015 20:29

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 · 20/05/2015 20:30

Is this child someone personal to you?

AngelWings74 · 20/05/2015 20:30

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

JesusInTheCabbageVan · 20/05/2015 21:00

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.