Advice needed on awful accident and threat of children being taken away

[MeanBean]

A friend of mine has just called me with some news which has made me feel sick. Her neighbour's 4 year old child fell off their balcony yesterday (a split second lapse of attention), and is now hovering between life and death. The rumour on the estate they live on is that the other two children of the family may now be taken away. She is so distressed about it as they are a really loving family and she wants to help but doesn't know if she can. I'm not really sure what to say to her, but told her I'd ask the wise Mumsnetters if they had any advice.

Incidentally, I never visit my friend at her home because I've always felt sick every time my children go anywhere near her balcony. I can't understand how councils can think that it's suitable housing for families with children. I'm only a visitor and I feel on edge all the time I'm there. Starting to ramble now, so will stop, but if anyone has any advice at all that I can pass on, I'd be grateful.

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They shouldn't, twiggy, but it's not unknown. Poor family. I agree, meanbean, be as supportive as you can. And maybe ring the council and register your feelings about those balconies?

I think the rumours started because a similar case happened last year on a neighbouring estate. The child died and the other child was taken away, presumably because the accident was deemed a result of negligence. So now everyone is assuming that the same thing will happen here, although nobody knows the exact details of either accident. It?s just so horrible. But I do hope that you?re right Twiglett.

How sad Meanbean. I hope the poor little child recovers. I assume that someone would be investigating it but hopefully when they realise the child wasn't pushed and that they are a loving and caring family it will set their minds at rest. My friend whose a nurse has 3 kids and within about 6 months they had all broken a limb - one on roller skates, one falling off his bike and the other rolling off the settee!! She had a visit from Social Services and they were happy that the kids were well cared for and the injuries were as a result of accidents.

It looks like the little boy is going to survive, and incredibly hasn't done himself too much harm. Won't be able to walk for a while, but will eventually, and hasn't got any brain damage at all. Quite miraculous really. And someone in SS who my friend is pally with said to her "he wasn't pushed, you know", (!) which sounds like the all-clear from that direction.

Thought I'd share something quite grotesque though: one of the neighbours asked my friend if they'd pushed him off, to which she replied "no, I think they generally go in for the naughty corner", and another one complained about bloody foreigners coming over 'ere and falling off our balconies! I didn't know whether to laugh or cry when she told me!

The neighbours sound awful! How dare they say those things!

I'm so glad the little boy is going to make it. Your friend's neighbour must be so relieved. Best wishes to the whole family. xxx

Really pleased to hear that the little boy is going to be okay.