...to report this mum to child protection?

[RZX44]

Serious thread, looking for real advice. I think I need to contact social services but Im worried about the consequences for the child.

My son 13 has come home and told me that his mate, lets call him Jack, has been off school for 4 days because his mum has been too pissed to drive him in (he lives a long way away.) Today Jack has come to our house after school because his mum hasnt showed up to collect him. Apparently she normally drops him to school and picks him up, thoroughly pissed. Jacks parents are separated and dad is a waste of space I gather and only last year passed Jack back to his mums care, fully aware of her issues. So Jack is either gets a lift with his pissed mum, if shes concious, else he cant make school.

But school is Jacks constant. If I tell someone would he be removed from his mum? And maybe the school too? Hes a really nice lad too, so sad. Not saying anything doesnt seem an option, but saying something and who knows what happens. Can anyone advise?

So as far back as 2004 agencies have been working together.

And yet every single Serious Case Review in the past ten years has highlighted a lack of communication between agencies as being a significant factor. I think it’s only now that people are reluctantly accepting that safeguarding staff schools are just as skilled and experienced at dealing with safeguarding concerns as those whose job it is actually is.

*in schools

Social services won't do anything to help the mother get off alcohol. They may point her in the direction of alcohol & drug services but that is all & knowing how much funding has been reduced for the services it could be months before she gets seen. At least most of the time Jack is in school, reporting his mother to social services will probably put her under more stress & cause her to drink even more until she gets an appointment. I would offer to take him home safely, many alcoholics can function perfectly well even when drinking & other than the drink driving he may be well cared for.

Are you saying not to report nat?

And yet every single Serious Case Review in the past ten years has highlighted a lack of communication between agencies as being a significant factor

Yes I know, it's shocking.

What would you feel if Jack ended up injured or worse, SS can step in to support mum, she may need it. School should have him on their radar for low attendance and be doing something behind the scenes.
I would definitely contact your local council, the last thing they would do is remove a child who was not in danger, a programme of intensive support would be put in place with daily visits by professionals.
It maybe the turning point this mum needs. If not Jack will be one step closer to a better life

I think it’s only now that people are reluctantly accepting that safeguarding staff schools are just as skilled and experienced at dealing with safeguarding concerns as those whose job it is actually is

Yes, all agencies have much better training in safeguarding these days but it's still work in progress. Much of the training involves spotting abuse and knowing what to do if you suspect abuse. Staff are also trained in being part of the plan and their roles and responsibilities.

As for dealing with a situation, this involves home visits, assessing parenting, assessing the child's behaviour and development, working with other agencies, compiling reports, attending conferences, attending and chairing regular meetings with the family and other professionals and working with the court, if it comes to court proceedings.

It's always better to talk to a social worker, if you have concerns. It's their job to take these referrals and to investigate. One of the first things a social worker does, is to look to see if there are any other referrals on record. These records can help build a picture. If there aren't any referrals then it's less worrying. If there are several then that is concerning. Therefore, everyone who has a concern is duty bound to make a referral. If we all thought that there's no point as the social workers won't do anything, a child at risk will not be helped.

As for dealing with a situation, this involves home visits, assessing parenting, assessing the child's behaviour and development, working with other agencies, compiling reports, attending conferences, attending and chairing regular meetings with the family and other professionals and working with the court, if it comes to court proceedings.

Everything on that list is a part of my job, except for carrying out parenting assessments, which tend to be done by family support workers, not social workers, in my LA at least. And it tends to be social workers taking the lead from schools when it comes to assessing a child’s behaviour and development.

But of course there are times when contacting social services directly will be the right choice (when school is closed, for example) and when school is the right choice (when a parent is reluctant to give their details to social services for fear of repercussions). The good thing is the OP did both.

Everything on that list is a part of my job

Are you able to check for previous referrals?

Are you able to check for previous referrals?
Why are you quoting my post saying everything on that list is part of my job and then asking about something that’s not on your list? This is starting to sound obsessive on your part.

Sorry, I was just really interested on the extent of your role in Safeguarding. Do you teach as well?

Don’t over think it ! Just pass on the information you have, anecdotal or otherwise, to MASH in your local authority. Then let them decide what’s in the best interest of the child and what happens next. You are one link in a very important chain.