Concerned about young child, what to do

CurlySue2017

I'm going to keep this as brief as I can because I do not want to risk identifying anyone but would appreciate others thoughts on this.

Our neighbour has a young child, approx 3 years old and I have been concerned about some of the noise that I have heard coming from the property. 

The child screams and screams, sometimes for an hour or more non-stop.  After a period of time, the Mum screams at the top of her lungs at the child trying to get them to be quiet - which of course makes the child even more distressed.  

The next noises are terrible banging, crashing, shouting (from Mum) and real awful sounding screaming (from child).  It honestly sounds as though child is being thrown around the house sometimes although I am sure they are not (maybe other things are though, it certainly sounds like it). 

But I am concerned that Mum may not be coping and am also concerned about the childs welfare. This doesn't happen every day, but has happened more times than I am comfortable with.

So what would you do?  Is it worth reporting?  If so who to?  If the child is safe and Mum is OK will that be the end of it?

Mojisola

Either of these -

www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/reporting-abuse/report/

www.gov.uk/report-child-abuse-to-local-council

littlegreenparrot

Call the local council, there will be a safeguarding team. Just call the general number and whoever answers will be able to connect you to the right people. 

They will look into it and sort out any support that's needed.

I have to do safeguarding training for my job. That sometimes means having to look at the reports that happen after there are tragedies and a child has died. It is often the case that after something terrible has happened people will say they 'thought something was wrong but didn't want to interfere...' it breaks my heart. 

You are concerned enough to ask this question here, that absolutely means its worth reporting. If everything was just fine you wouldn't be worried. So please call them.

superstylin

Yes report it. Your council will have a children's social services department. Say just as you have here. That your concern is both for mum and child. Hopefully they don't just make a phonecall, but actually visit mum after doing a bit of digging with their GP, health visitor etc. Mum may be angry and ashamed at first that social services have been called, but hopefully she will come to see it as a welcome intervention. Will she be able to work out where the call has come from? For instance if you are the only attached neighbour?

RobM99

The child's welfare must come first.

Pollycat

Report it.
Now.
If thi Mum isn't coping, maybe she needs help.
The child should be your priority.

CurlySue2017

Thanks for your replies, I am going to make some calls today.

littlegreenparrot said:

I have to do safeguarding training for my job. That sometimes means having to look at the reports that happen after there are tragedies and a child has died. It is often the case that after something terrible has happened people will say they 'thought something was wrong but didn't want to interfere...' it breaks my heart.

This is exactly how I feel now - if something were to happen I could never forgive myself if I didn't say anything

superstylin said:

Will she be able to work out where the call has come from? For instance if you are the only attached neighbour?

I'm not overly concerned about this because there are other neighbours attached but also, the screaming is so loud sometimes that you can hear it in the street outside so other people must have heard it too.

london21

I will report it because no child should be abused or suffer. 

pollypenny

In the first instance, I would try contacting the local health visitor. She would be well-placed to ascertain whether the mother is struggling and offer support or if there's a bigger problem. 

Jude57

Whenever you have concerns about the welfare of a child, there can be no reason not to report those concerns. If the mother isn't coping she'll hopefully be offered (and accept) support. If it's a case of abuse, hopefully the child will be protected in whatever way is best for them. One thing is certain: If no-one reports it, nothing will be done.

I'd take being thought of and called a busybody all day long if it gets a child the protection they deserve.

pinkshoes

Report to your local MASH team who compile data from all areas to make sure a picture of the child is built up.

This system was put in place after the death of the child Victoria Climbié who was seen by so many people yet no one put the pieces of the jigsaw together to see what was going on!

It's better to report it as there is then a record of it which might help build a picture over time.