Possible Neglect?

LegacyUser

Should I report to the school principal if one of the children in my seven year old daughter's class is left alone after school or just let it go? As far as I know she and her sister (who is in third class) are left alone for hours in the house. Apparently they both have mobiles but as far as I am concerned they are too young to be left alone. I feel as though I have a duty of care to report possible neglect to the school and let them take her into after-school care or have the mother risk having her children removed from their unsupervised home environment by child services.

#Dilemma

P. Breathnach

Why the school principal? It's not a school matter.

On the face of it, leaving children aged about 7 and 9 alone for hours seems like neglect. It is the business of the HSE to deal with such things. See: http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/Find_a_Service/Children_and_Family_Services/childrenfirst/concerns/

ABajaninCork

OP. Whilst I understand your concerns, how do you know these kids are left alone? Do you have any proof? For all you know, someone could be looking after them, that you don't know about...

Before reporting anyone for anything, I'd make sure I had irrefutable proof first. Child Protection is such a minefield, and you need to be really sure before you do anything.

I do however understand completely. You're damned if you do and damned if you don't. By all means, make a report. But be sure of your facts before doing so. Might be in order to make a few discreet enquiries first, starting with the headmistress.

Good luck! I hope it works out.

neemish

OP,

Child Protection Training highlighted two things for me 1. Don't keep info to yourself and 2. Don't investigate.

If, in good conscience, you think that there is a problem in this family, then pass it on to the relevant authority. Your School should have a Child Protection delegate (either a teacher or someone connected with the school) . Get in touch with them AND with the HSE link above.

The other thing is that, in general, anonymous complaints AFAIK are more difficult to deal with. If you can at all, sign your name and give the HSE the option of getting in touch with you.

Good luck

Kimia

If you strongly suspect child abuse, then I think it's your obligation to report it. Like you said, duty of care. I'm not sure what the laws are in Ireland but in Canada the law states that if you suspect child abuse it is your legal obligation to report it to the appropriate services.

Child abuse is so traumatic and the effects are so far-reaching that it should be taken very very seriously. Report it anonymously if necessary but report.

Catari Jaguar

Child Services are up to their eyes dealing with children that are subjected to physical/ sexual abuse and come from homes where there is drug abuse. They really investigate cases by assessing the seriousness. I was a deputy Designated Liason Person for child protection in my school and out hearts would be broken trying to get the HSE to look into very serious neglect problems. You could say it to the DLP of the school, they probably have care team meetings with teachers and might have incidents recorded child if they have had any reason to suspect neglct/ abuse. They'll also know who to contact.

Morag

It is an issue if the kids are in danger, if you are concerned then you have to contact the social worker on call for your area.

http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/Find_a_Service/Children_and_Family_Services/childrenfirst/socialworkers/