[FtWorthgirl]

I was not certain where to post this but I think there are enough experienced people here to ask.

I have a cousin who has 7 children by several different men. All of the children reside with her and they live in northern Indiana. I was just informed today that she does not have running water (very old dilapidated house) at her home and she lives in a two bedroom home and none of the children, except the infants, have beds to sleep in. They have blankets and pillows and sleep on the floor. I am heartsick over this. Nobody in my family wants to report this for various reasons.

I want to report this. Should I? Is the above situation that I described bad enough to warrant an investigation?

[stevenstwin]

Originally Posted by FtWorthgirl

I was not certain where to post this but I think there are enough experienced people here to ask.

I have a cousin who has 7 children by several different men. All of the children reside with her and they live in northern Indiana. I was just informed today that she does not have running water (very old dilapidated house) at her home and she lives in a two bedroom home and none of the children, except the infants, have beds to sleep in. They have blankets and pillows and sleep on the floor. I am heartsick over this. Nobody in my family wants to report this for various reasons.

I want to report this. Should I? Is the above situation that I described bad enough to warrant an investigation?

I'd say yes. If they investigate and decide that the children are safe, then they'll simply close the case and no harm done. On the other hand, if they agree with you, then they can intervene to help the kids. To ME this sounds pretty neglectful (although I'd leave out details like "several different fathers" because it sound judgemental and really doesn't relate to the care of the children).

[mrstkg1]

it is possible that it would be as simple as getting her some money to get the water turned back on and hooking her up with some services to get some free furniture. It doesn't sound like a case for removal, but they might identify that she needs some help and point her in the right direction.

[FtWorthgirl]

She has been stealing water from the city for the last several years and now they will NOT turn her water back on until she pays a bill that is a few thousand dollars. I don't know how much lack of money is playing into all of this as much as lack of responsibility or money management skills. To give a bit of background, she received a very large amount of money several months ago and bought a new truck for her boyfriend and a HUGE above ground swimming pool.

I don't know what her issues are. All I know is that I am sick at the thought of children sleeping on old hardwood floors and not having running water in the house for baths, etc.

[EandDmom]

My sil and bil had issues awhile back. Had there water and electricty shut off. They were having issues with food as well. Both work they just spend their money stupidly. It was maddening knowing they had 3 kids one of which a baby. Luckily they lived 2 houses down from us so they came here for bathing and food storage and whatever they needed. I completely understand how you feel. Ours didn't last long a couple of weeks but honestly if it had been longer we would have called on them just to get their butts in gear and realize their stupid mistakes were messing up their kids lives. So long way of saying yes I would call but also if they got taken I'd be the first ones calling back to say send those kids to us so they didn't get sent to strangers or seperated. Good luck!

[craftingmama]

i think you have to report it. i've reported my cousin over and over and finally they got the baby to safety.

[AmahMama]

I agree w/ op's that someone needs to call the hotline and report this. As said before - investigation will happen and if there is not founded danger to the children - it will be closed. The report can be made anonymously if there may be retribution. This is for the children's safety and well being.

[o2b30again]

Here's my 2 cents...

I would place the call stating that your concerned for the reasons you mentioned. She needs assistance and there are programs in place for people in her situation. If the only issue is that the children are sleeping on the floor I personally don't feel that they would remove the children. They would help her get some good will from the community services and she would get help with getting her electricity/water on. I would leave out the 7 different fathers just because it isn't relevant. This fact doesn't make her a poor parent. Her morals aren't in question but whether the children are safe. Stick to the important issues. Good luck. Dealing with family situations is always sticky and never fun.

[FtWorthgirl]

Thank you for the replies. I am going to call in the morning and make a report. DCS can decide what's appropriate after that.

I just wanted to clear up that my statement regarding her children having different fathers was to clarify that there was more than one father involved in the situation. My own mother had children by different men and I never held that against her. Personally, i could care less how many fathers there are and I wont be mentioning that when I report this.

Thank you all.

[EandDmom]

Originally Posted by FtWorthgirl

Thank you for the replies. I am going to call in the morning and make a report. DCS can decide what's appropriate after that.

I just wanted to clear up that my statement regarding her children having different fathers was to clarify that there was more than one father involved in the situation. My own mother had children by different men and I never held that against her. Personally, i could care less how many fathers there are and I wont be mentioning that when I report this.

Thank you all.

Good luck!! I think you made a wise decision feel free to let us know how it goes.