[MommyAlysia]

So there is this girl I went to HS with. She is pg with baby number 4 and her and DH are both addicted to drugs, DH Heroin, her, maybe Heroin or maybe something else, not really sure, but she does do drugs even while currently pg. They live in a 1 BDRM, all 3 kids currently sleep on couches. I found this out from my BF, who was good friends with her in HS. BF found out from her mother, who does drugs with this girls mom.

1st question, is that situation alone enough to warrant a CPS call? Apparently CPS has been called before and nothing has been done about it.

2nd question, Well, since its essentially gossip/hearsay, do you still report? I used to know the girl from school (we weren't friends, though, so its not like I knew her well) and I know her DH, he also went to school, in an older grade, and, coincidentally, I was involved in a car accident with him. He was driving drunk, without a license, and we spotted him from a distance so we were wayyyy off to the side of the road and almost at a stop and he STILL managed to hit us. Anyways, my BF is not a gossip, I have no reason not to believe her. Her mother is a drug addict, so not the most reliable source, but still, in my heart, *I* really believe it to be true, which is the only reason I am considering calling. I just don't know what to do. I don't have any contact information, but I imagine I could manage to get it.

[Chancey]

ABSOLUTELY REPORT IT! If there is nothing going on then that is CPS responsibility to determine and close the case. If they really are doing drugs, etc., then you should report it. What if your call saves those kiddos?

[D&J'smom]

If you suspect abuse it your job to report it and CPS job to confirm the abuse and decide on the situation. I have to tell you in my experience if the kids don't admit to the abuse it is written off. Good luck.

[fredalina]

In some states it's actually against the law *not* to report known or suspected abuse. i definitely think you should find out the address and report them. If it's not warranted, CPS will close the file. If it's warranted, these people just may be able to get the help they need to really care for their kiddos. If not, the kiddos deserve to be safe.

[waited2long]

I guess I would report it, considering it was coming from a friend.

CPS does have to investigate all reports, so, if you're wrong, the family will have to put up with some questions. But, if you're right, perhaps this family can get some help.

[AmyAnne]

As a foster parent you are a mandated reporter. Make the phone call.

[MommyAlysia]

I'm not a foster parent, but I personally feel *everyone* is at the very least morally obligated to report. I just wasn't sure if they'd blow me off because its gossip. And, because they've had CPS called on them before and nothing was done about it, I didn't know if I had enough info on them to report. I am trying to look up contact info on them now before calling since I don't know where they live.

[chevyjewel]

Better safe than sorry. If you found out something happened to the kids or new baby and you DIDN'T report it you likely wouldn't want that on your conscience.

Not only that but there may have been others that have thought about calling but didn't. You may be the only one that does, and finally gives the kids a chance at a decent life by initiating some interventions for their parents.

[ALfostermom]

sometimes it takes more than one call to get something done. it would atleast give them a reason to have the hospital look out and do drug test when the baby is born. I always tell people who ask me -someone has to speak for the kids, they can't always do it safely. Like someone said earlier worst case scenario if it is rumors the worst thing that happens is the family is questioned. but, it might be enough of an eyeopener to the family in the end. SO YES, PLEASE SPEAK UP FOR THE BABIES.....