Should I Call CPS?

r/

Location: Utah

I have been babysitting for a young family for 3 years now. Mostly their first child from the time she was 3months-present, but they recently had a second baby as well. From the beginning I have been very concerned about their living conditions and ability to care for their kids, but it seems to only get worse lately and I’m really considering making a report (keep in mind I’m also a mandated reporter due to my job). I’m hesitant for two reasons- one, the parents have good intentions. They love their kids a lot, but that doesn’t change the fact that they are not always good at caring for them. Second, I’m unsure if the situation is bad enough to call. (Also third, I’m afraid it won’t be anonymous).

Would anyone with more knowledge/experience than me give me some advice on what to do based on those concerns? Below I have list of the things I have seen over the years. Most of these have happened more than once.

– No milk/very little food in the house (baby screaming)

– I was told to go get milk from the store in the middle of the night bc they didn’t have any if the baby didn’t stop screaming. Very sketchy part of town and no stroller available for baby. I didn’t go, texted my roommate to ask if she could bring milk.

– No clean baby bottles or dishes- dishes filled whole sink, mold and bugs all around

– feeding their toddler a protein shake for dinner (she woke up later asking for more food, and all I could find was a half-eaten yogurt)

– human urine and feces on the bathroom floor

– can’t find diapers/wipes, texted parents and they didn’t know where they were either

– pills left on the floor (unsure what they were, looked like some kind of supplements)

– again, very little food in the house. This happens almost every time, I have taken the kids to the store before to get them something for dinner out of my own pocket.

– can’t find any clean pjs/clothes

Comments

  1. IDontMeanToInterrupt Avatar

    It’s not your job to decide if things are “bad enough”. That’s the job of the investigator. As a mandated reporter you are supposed to call if you SUSPECT.

    Edit to add: intentions don’t fill bellies.

  2. SparklepantsMcFartsy Avatar

    Not a lawyer, but a mandated reporter. Yes. You need to report this. This is neglect. Good intentions are a great start, but intention without action is worthless. At the very least, CPS should be able to help connect them with resources.