[japit823]

Our newphew who was placed with us through DYFS, was visiting his parents and bit by a dog that lives with them. When he came back she told us what happened and what she did to tend to it. It wasn't too bad but it did break the skin on his wrist and was a little swollen. I called our on call doctor and was told just to be safe take him to the ER. I did that last night. They cleaned it and he is on antibiotics now. We have to follow up with doctor in a few days.........here is my question......Am I supposed to call and report this to our CW at DYFS?

Both our nephews have told us that this is not the first time this dog has bit him (one boy says this is the third or fourth time, the one who was bit says it is the second time.) Mother called today and told me this sort of thing has never happened. I didn't tell her what the boys told me and she didn't seem very happy that I took him to ER. If I am supposed to call CW do I give her this information also?

[BZmom7]

I would Deffinatly call the sw! This kind of thing should be reported. If the child is suppose to go for any other vistis, SOMEONE has to make sure this dog will not bite again! If the dog cannot be trusted around the child, then it either has to be in a safer place (away from the child durning the visit) or removed for everyones safty. When a child is at a visit, it's up to the responsible party to make sure the child is SAFE! And as far as the bite, it really doesn't matter what size of the bite. The child MUST be safe!

Good Luck.
________________________________________
Cindi
bio mom to 4
step mom to 2
amom to 1
foster mom to 2

[RandomReality]

I would call and I would also keep a log of every weird incident that happens to the boys when they are with them.

[vernellinnj]

I report everything. My fs has visits every week and this way they won't have to ask me about it (I hear mom checks her kids weekly). http://forums.adoption.com/images/icons/icon6.gif Funny as they're IN care because of her issues not foster parents.

[jerzeegrrl87]

I would tell their worker about the dog bite. DYFS told us to tell them about events like that plus the trip to the ER., when I went through training a year ago. This is addition to documenting everything. You may not want to cause trouble, but you are doing what is best for the children.

[wants2adopt]

She wasn't happy you called cause in the state of NJ after two bites the dog must be put to sleep, depending on reasons for bite, and animal control gets involved with the owners regarding the dog. There can be fines $$$, and many people are protective of their aggressive dogs more so than the average pet cause it's their security. Doctors by law have to report the bite to the proper athorities and you should too just to cover yourself in the future. Take it from a Vet Tech, foster mom, and former owner of an aggressive dog. Cover yourself with legal paperwork and you'll be ok. The ER also needs to be seen cause you aren't a vet probably and the huge question is does the dog have a rabies vacc. I had a neighbor who never did vacc her dog and had a big surprise when it bit her grandson.