to think these two girls are being neglected. And what do I do?

[Whysoslow]

Two young girls 8 and 5. Live at home with mum and stay with dad for two days a week. Mum lives a very chaotic life which means the girls regularly go to bed late and unwashed. If they get head lice they are not treated as mum thinks the treatments are too harsh and bad for their skin. House is a tip and dirty (cat faeces on floor) The girls don’t have appropriate clothes and shoes for the seasons (walking around in leather boots in boiling weather in the summer due to not having sandals/flip flops, no winter coats etc) clothes are dirty and not changed; they sometimes go to bed in their dirty clothes as she can’t be bothered to wash them or it’s simply too late) The list is endless. The mum just has completely the wrong priorities and to top it all she is going away for a weekend for a friends birthday and will miss her 8 year olds birthday.

All of the above is not due to a lack of money or education.

I feel so sorry for these girls.

How do you know all this?

You need to report this to social services. These children are clearly showing evidence of neglect.

And you know all of this rather personal and private information how?

Social care referral, let them investigate, and then step away.

I would report to social services if I were you and let the professionals decide what is best. What a sad situation.

Blimey how do you have access to all this info

You can refer to children's services either directly or via the NSPCC. Mention it all but particularly: cat faeces on floor, dirty inappropriate clothing. If the situation is as you say, it is neglect. Father is culpable too.

What is the father doing the other 2 days a week? Why isn't he at least ensuring they have appropriate footwear and clothing? Are you with the father?

Is the vital bit of detail your withholding that you are their fathers girlfriend?

If so, he needs to take action and get legal advice.

I take it you are their dad?

Why is dad not doing anything?

Both parents are neglectful. Mother for not providing care. Father for not taking action to prevent this.

It doesn’t matter how I know this info. I know it all and don’t know what to do hence this post.

I’m not the dad.

And I’m not the fathers partner either.

If you have seen all this yourself and the dad is doing nothing to sort it out, you should report it as neglect.

If you think the children are being neglected, contact Social Services and report your concerns.

Why would you not OP?

The mum just has completely the wrong priorities and to top it all she is going away for a weekend for a friends birthday and will miss her 8 year olds birthday.

That’s not neglect, that’s someone making a different choice.

A lot of the other stuff needs reporting to social services. Phone the NSPCC and they will help youz

Speak to the school

In terms of what you have seen you will need to be able to back it up. With dates and times.

Call social services too.

Such a shame and FWIW I think you’re doing the right thing.

It does matter. Although it should be reported, the consequences to yourself will be different if the girls are friends of your DC's/neighbours to what they will be if they are your your nieces or half-sisters.

Needs to be reported. A visit from ss may never he lick up the bum this women needs.

*may be the kick up the
Worst typo ever.

Definitely needs a referral to social care. You can do so anonymously if you’re worried about repercussions.

Mum isn't doing a good enough job but where is dad? He needs to ensure they have suitable clothing and lice treated etc.

Poor girls. They shouldn't have to live like that. Please report...the mother may be struggling with mental health...?

Assume you're the paternal grandmother. Are you sure the girls aren't choosing their footwear? Can't the Dad buy cheap summer shoes.
If you're suggesting there are permanently cat faeces on floor then of course that's disgusting. Or was it once because cats don't usually do that.

If you know what school the children go to, call the safeguarding lead there. I know people are advising to call social services but they are unlikely to do anything unless the children are in immediate danger. Tell the school, they will probably have a fuller picture of what life is like for those girls and can deal with it appropriately.