Thanks for joining us on the forum – glad to have you here. You are welcome to post 24/7 but please note that whilst we have forum moderators we will only be moderating the forum during office hours. If though you need urgent crisis help, please contact Samaritans on 116 123.
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:
My wife and I have been married for 8 years and have 2 lovely daughters together in addition to her own son who is 16. The lad has always been a challenge particularly his laziness, cheek and in particular his stealing. His mother always defends him and I am always made to look the bad guy
I recently set up a video camera which caught him stealing money out of our bedroom. I confiscated his tv and said he would not get it back till I had an apology and the money back that he stole. He has refused to do both and his mother just wants to stay out of the problem.
I am of the belief that his his mother avoiding the issue is a way of condoning such behaviour, she has not said one critical thing to him. Also, my marriage hasn't been great since my youngest came along and I am considering leaving, this issue with her lad just makes me think I should.
Any thoughts/advice would be appreciated
I have not been in a situation like that but knowing me I would demand an apology and if report him to the cops! If the mother doesnt want to get involved then explain you have no other option. I believe ill be very strict when my daughter is older but know it will cause major problems! He clearly doesnt respect you or the family. .start clamping down before it gets even worse
Has your relationship with your stepson changed for some reason? I mean you have been with him since he was 8 what was your relationship like before? What is his behaviour like with your own two children?
I know how difficult it is with a step-parent, I lived with someone who became a step to my kids, they did get on well and then changed, but that was my ex's fault, my hubby has a great relationship with him and says I did a grand job with him, which makes me feel relieved compared to what the ex said! LOL!!
Does the stepson see his real father? Have you thought whether he might be on drugs? Does he need some attention? Have you looked at reasons like this for his behaviour?