To report these parents for neglect

[Sadtosaythis]

Name changed for this post.

There is a family where I live who I have known for a long time. They have two children; one High School and one coming to the end of Primary. They are notoriously dirty. The children and the parents both equally so and on the one occasion I had to drop something at the home, all absolutely filthy.I cannot describe just how bad. I am aware that the older child is having problems at school because she smells so badly and other children are noticing. She is also suffering with lots of mental health issues at school and I believe is heavily reliant upon the pastoral team every day. Firstly I am hoping that the school/s have reported this as neglect but either way should I? I know that the children are loved (so it appears anyway)but also I cannot describe just how unclean they are. The parents are nice people so it appears but I just cannot understand how they have got to this stage without any intervention? I worry about the children and I wonder if they had some help with their home issues would that help the mental health issues in the child? I worry these could get worse as they get older…..

Yes definitely report it in. Even if school have reported it, a second referral from someone else will certainly carry weight. Schools so often have these things batted back from social care, it can be very frustrating.

I would report it. Poor kids having to live like that. I'd say the parents need some help & guidance.

I’d definitely report it OP, poor kids.

Yes you really must report it if it is that bad. The more evidence and reports they receive the easier and hopefully quicker it will be for them to intervene to support.

Definitely report it, you can probably do it on your council's website.

There was a tragic child death in the town I live in due to neglect, I won't say too much as the media reported it but afterwards the neighbours were going around telling people there was something 'not right' going on in the house but they didn't like to tittle tattle to the authorities.

Yes, report it.

Something has clearly gone very wrong and additional external support is needed.

Yes I'd report it. Not only would it get support for the children but hopefully the parents too.

I had a thread last night on a slightly similar topic and my advice would be to report. I wasn't expecting my call to be helpful but it felt like it was.

Please please report it to the authorities. It sounds like the parents have issues and are struggling to cope. Maybe appropriate support would help to turn this around.