I am concerned about my friend and her 12 year old daughter. My friend is leaving her daughter home alone in the evenings, initially to work, but lately she's been going out and drinking, leaving the child to make a marmite sandwich for her supper. She has started to drink drive herself and her daughter around also. Anyone who confronts her or challenges her is excommunicated. I don't want this to happen to me as I am worried about them both and if I challenge her I will be out of the loop completely and will be unable to help at all. My friend is a single mum and a depressive. She has moved a lodger in and consequently developed a crush on him. I advised her against letting a stranger in her house but she ignored me as she ignores everyone. Her daughter is withdrawn and in my opionion heading towards depression herself. I really think the emotional needs of this child are not being met, and consequently she is being neglected. I am in some denial about it myself but I cannot watch anymore. I am too chicken to challenge her (it will certainly mean an end to the friendship) and I am hating myself for considering asking the social services to investigate.
Please, can anyone advise? I feel they are on borrowed time.