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Spurgeons and Dad.Info doesn’t investigate reports of abuse or neglect. But below, you can find advice on who to contact if you have concerns about a child or young person.
Reporting a concern
It can be difficult to know what to do if you think a child is at risk. It’s important to remember that if you’ve spotted things that don’t seem right, others will have too. Speaking up can make sure that child gets help as soon as possible.
The sooner you contact your local children’s social care duty team, the quicker they can act. They’re available 24 hours a day, and can make an anonymous report if that feels safer. If a child is in immediate danger, please call the police straight away by dialling 999.
Report child abuse or neglect to your local council
Use these links to get in touch with your local council:
Hi everyone :woohoo:
I was just wondering if you all could point me in the right direction , my son is nearly 2 years old , I have been through a court battle just to see him , when I have picked him up the last few visits he hasn't looked good , he's happy on his self but he looks yellow , his skins dry on his legs and face , his fingers and toe nails are long and In growing and he's lost loads of weight , when I have him I try my best to make the things better but cutting his nails , plenty of fluids , suda cream on his legs and that but personal I think he's not being looked after probably who do I speak to ?? What can I do about it ? I have spoke to his mother about this and she just goes mad :boohoo: regards josh
Take your son to a doctor and get them to note his condition. Inform the doctor what you are doing to help your son. The doctor can inform social services if they are concerned that your child is suffering from neglect. The doctor may also ask questions about his wellbing when he is with him mum, be prepared for this, however do not say anyting negative, rather just keep quiet.
You will need to also inform you ex your are taking him to a doctor, but you do not have to divulge specifics, i.e. just say you are concerned that he is unwell and as a precaution are taking him for a check-up. Continue to do this and make note of your attempts to speak to the mother and her reactions. if there is a negative reaction by speaking to her over the phone, communicate via text or email. this way you have a record of your attempts to communicate on the issue and also any 'negative' responses from your ex.
This is what I would do as a first step. If you have no further joy and are concerned about your son and his wellbeing, ask a legal advisor on how to further approach this, but at least you will have catalogued your attempts to amicably resolve the issue..
Hi there
I think you would be within your rights to take him to A&E. the fact that he is yellow and is losing weight is concerning and nobody will think you wrong to want it investigated....except the mother it seems!
The hospital staff have a duty to report any suspicions to the Social Services, even though he doesn't live with you you are still responsible to care for him and if you suspect that he isn't being cared for then you are right to act on your concerns.
You can also talk to his Health Visitor, or call Social Services yourself, but IMO with what you have described a trip to A&E wouldn't be an overreaction.
Good luck.
As you have Parental Responsibility you do not need the other parents permission to seek medical advice. You have tried to discuss it with her and were unable to so the next step would be to take it upon yourself to seek help and advice.
It s good advice to keep a record of all dealings with your ex with times and dates and as lofty says getting any communication with her in writing/txt/email is the best thing to do.
You can say that you have tried to talk to the mother about it when you talk to the professionals and that she lost her temper... Just be honest with them about your concerns, just don't resort to bad mouthing her, give them the facts and let them make their own mind up about what is happening.
Hi There,
I agree with what's been said above by Lofty and NJ, Seek some medical advice and then leave the reporting to them as if they have concerns they have a duty of care to report it.
Again as said just give the facts of what you are seeing and don't give any oppinions of what you think i.e. neglect, explain the situation to the doctor that you aren't the resident parent and that when collecting him you are concerned about his skin colour and dryness and also his weight loss and that you have asked his mother about it and she just gets angry and leave it at that.
GTTS