Abusive teen - help/support organisations?

[MyAngels]

My niece (15) is verbally and physically abusing (possibly - but don't know the extent) her mum (my SIL) and SIL cannot cope as her DD throws furniture, breaks walls and doors etc when can't get what she wants. My SIL is at breaking point - social services have been involved but as niece is not being abused herself or neglected, they are not really interested. School and youth club counsellors are involved, but my niece says nothing is wrong.

My SIL needs some professional support but I'm not sure where to help her get it. Are there any national or regional charities etc who offer practical help with teenager related family issues? We are in the Bristol area if that helps with anything local.

Not sure what to do - SIL hasn't applied much in the way of discipline or consquences (ever) so is at bit of a loss with strategies really. They are pretty much living separate (non communicating) lives under the same roof.

Thanks

Try getting the niece involved in something more focussed than 'hitting Mum'. Princes Trust in Bristol run various mentoring schemes for kids who have lost the way/missed out etc. If they cant help they might be able to suggest who else in Bristol could.

See if you can get a referral to Family Solutions.

I've been through this exact thing with my DD15 this year. They have been fantastic.

The school should be able to do the referral.

I was in a similar position a couple of years ago and desperately needed support. I couldn't get any. In the end, I found Family Lives who offered me phone counselling once a week for 5 weeks, which was useful and helped me to 'draw lines'.

When I finally had my son arrested, there was also a small amount of help from the Youth Offending Team.

Hi all
Thanks - I haven't heard of Family Solutions, but did happen upon Family Lives and have passed the details to SIL.

Who are Family Solutions? My SIL certainly needs "fantastic" help...