Reported to social services now receiving abuse

[Namechangeth]

I posted a couple of days ago about needing to report a safeguarding concern about a child. I went to social services and although I know it’s the right thing to help the child I have received some horrible abusive messages. I’m quite worried about running into the family members as they are all local to me and I don’t want to put my children at risk. I feel like this is just the beginning of the repercussions and I am very unsettled. I have no idea what action social services took or what will happen next but I think that when a child is suffering that we don’t have a choice. I’ve been accused of having no loyalty and wanting to be a hero and of getting involved when it’s not my business. As well as lots of other horrible accusations and abuse. I feel quite nervous. I’m posting here just to ask whether other people may have had any experience of this. And because I’m generally very anxious.

You did the right thing by reporting. How would you have felt if you’d decided not to and something happened to the poor lad?
Re the abuse you’re getting, speak to the police. The may be able to warn family members off.

Just wanted to say well done, you do the right thing

@SlightlyJaded I might try sending the message you’ve suggested. I can’t say I’ve acted out of love because I barely know the child. But I like your sentence so I’ll say I acted out of concern.

@RhitaGawr Thank you for sharing this. I hope that you were well cared for when you were removed from home.

Thank you everyone for the support and reassurance. I’ve read every message.

I’m just worried now because the social worker said she’s not worried and will not be taking any action. And of course now I won’t be told any more about him by my brother. I think the next incident will be when a member of the public calls the police again.

It is a shame you said anything to them first rather than just reporting but you did the honourable thing ... but I am amazed the Social Worker has put you in jeopardy by being so indiscreet especially without warning you. I think there are a number of things to consider:
*Contacting Social Services and tell them what has happened and how you are now experiencing problems and you will be contacting the police. What advice do they have for your safety given potentially their own approach?
*Contact the police and they may visit or at least discuss with Social Services this family and advice on installing an alarm at home etc.
*Can you afford to get CCTV or even a "mock" camera discreetly placed.
*Make a record of all incidents/dates/times/details.
*Possibly notify the council about nuisance neighbours but it could take the value of your house down but if you rent maybe they might be moved eventually.
*Contact/visit the school to discuss what has happened so your child can be kept safe.
*Personal alarm keyrings for all of you.
*Load the safety app onto mobile phones.
*This has probably given them the only thing they can naturally bond together about but you are very brave and done the right thing ... their behaviour certainly supports the disfunctional nature of their family.

Please don't be discouraged by the SS signing this off, you still did the right thing. Unfortunately it's out of your hands now. Abusers lie. They cover their tracks and even worse people lie for them. Children still get abused and it's an appalling state of affairs for a civilised society. You tried your best. Be proud of that.

You have done the right thing. Whenever I see a story in the paper about a child who is obviously neglected and is skinny and unkempt with poor school attendance I wonder why nobody reported it. Just saw your update and can't believe it is deemed OK by social workers?

Also if your brother is like this with you then it is likely the child will feel intimidated by him.

Unfortunately if parents don't want support and CS don't have clear evidence of significant harm/likelihood of harm, their hands are tied, they can't stay involved. However don't be disheartened; your referral will stay on file, hopefully there will be other referrals in time if things continue as they are - often CS action comes from a patchwork of concerns raised by different people, which means that a next thing can't be explained as a one off, or a misunderstanding. Just because no action is being taken this time doesn't mean your report hasn't been useful.

He’s 6, if school have any concerns they are also duty bound to report. So it’s very likely they’ll be involved again shortly, and your report will still be on file to refer to.

Op
Something will happen again and will be reported again , it’s inevitable

In the meantime consider a police chat

Sorry they didn’t take it further . Majorly disheartening