At what point would you make a report to social services?

AnnieO1234

I don't ask this lightly having been made a victim of a malicious report for disabled abuse. At what point from thinking you might need to make a report of a child do you actually do it?

I dot have any hard evidence beyond conversations with the mother; but would I really need that to voice concerns?

Thoughts welcomed. Xxx

pigpen

you don't need any reason or proof at all.. some people do it just out of pure maliciousness.. they are supposed to check up on every report.. they don't though..

whitewing

You can raise a potential concern at any point. If something makes you feel uneasy then you should.

Person_one

Its an impossible question to answer, every situation is different.

If you are genuinely worried for somebody's safety though, you should act. If it turns out that yours fears were groundless, no action will be taken.

kingfisherblue

If you have genuine concerns, make a report. You can do this anonymously if you prefer. It could be that SS are already aware, but if not, you are helping the child by informing SS.

You are unlikely to be told whether your concerns resulted in any action, so don't expect to find out what happens.

Auntie-Dolly

Do you know where the child goes to school? It might be worth talking to the CPLO there in case they also have concerns. It could then be escalated by them.

peachyprice

Is this in relation to the 13yo who stayed in bed until 3pm?

GwylimT

Personally I would also make a call if I was unsure, if I didn't and something happened I would feel very guilty, something bad could still happen but at least I would know I tried.

My son was taken into the care system because a neighbour had a very small concern and merely contacted social services to ask if she needed to report. She most definitely saved his life.

Out,_Vile_Jelly

You say this is based on conversations. Can you make a list of approx when these took place and what exactly the specific words or tone were that worried you? Looking at these may help you marshall your thoughts and see if there's a pattern. You could then perhaps call the NSPCC or similar and without giving any names or details, describe these conversations and see what they think.

System

Is a child being left unattended for long periods of time, or do you have fears that someone may be abusing the child?

AndyBSG

AnnieO1234 wrote: »

I dot have any hard evidence

It's not your job to provide evidence. If you suspect abuse is taking place you report it and it's down to the Social Services to do their job and investigate it.