QLD Possible Neglect of Children and Child Protection -What to Do?

[steven joseph]

My 2 stepdaughters (5 & 7) come home from visiting their dad over tired, hungry, matty and dirty hair, smelly (urine), red raw vag*nas and bottoms. The girls say they haven't washed, for up to 5 days at a time, and are too scared to as when they attempt to wash the private areas they get told not to touch and to go to the toilet.

The eldest stepbrother has been a victim of sexual abuse, the 3rd oldest step sister has been excluded from schools and frequent suspension from schools for violence and the stepmother has disclosed that the girl (14) smokes Marijuana. My partner has lodged a form with Child Protection Services but has been advised unless they are in immediate danger, they can't help. The half sister has frequent hospital visit for urinary tract infections.

We understand this is a parenting issue, but what can we do to protect the girls from more harm? They are constantly on medication for illnesses when they return. We just get them happy and well, then they go to him and come back sick again. Their father has quit his job and has stated he will now have 50/50 custody of children.

 

[Sophea]

Who has the eldest brother suffered sexual abuse at the hands of? Does this give rise to an immediate threat of danger?

And does your partner currently have parenting orders in place that states how much contact there is to be with the father? If not, perhaps you could first raise the issue with the other parent and if the bar is not raised then refuse to allow the children to go there until they commit to proper hygiene and care. Perhaps a mediation could be arranged to discuss the matters that are concerning you.

Otherwise the department of child safety website provides some advice as to reporting abuse and neglect - see website below. They also provide indicators of abuse and neglect which include

• poor hygiene, matted hair, dirty skin or body odour
• unattended physical or medical problems
• comments from a child that no one is home to provide care
• being constantly tired
• frequent lateness or absence from school
• inappropriate clothing, especially inadequate clothing in winter
• frequent illness, infections or sores

Reporting child abuse - Child Safety Services, Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services (Queensland Government)