I really think I need to call mom or CPS!

[Binkybobo]

Background info:
Mom is pregnant. We were discussing OB/GYNs one day and she mentioned that she didn't feel comfortable with a certain doctor becuase during a previous pregnancy her husband punched her in the face and gave her a black eye, and this doctor knew about it.
Monday the little boy shows up with a black eye, and a long scratch on his back. Mom said here little brother head butted him, and she doesn't know where the scratch came from. This morning the mom dropped the little boy off with a swollen top lip, and said he hit his teeth in the tub. His face looks very different today, and he didn't eat his breakfast. I asked him to show me his teeth and I noticed that his top teeth were pushed back!
I really feel that I need to call mom to get him. This child needs to go to the dentist!
I am not sure if I believe any of these stories. Mom is very sweet. she is a year older than me, but she seems very young and clueless to me.
Is this a CPS call? Should I send the boy home?

[SilverSabre25]

I'd say calling CPS is probably in order...

[familyschoolcare]

Call both Mom and CPS. Call mom first so you can tell CPS wiehter or not the Mom reacted and how to you saying the child needs to be checked out by a dentist. If it is what the mom says and is not Dad or someone else "beating" the child that is for CPS to firgure out that is there job and they would rather you call them on a case that turns out to be nothing than not call and the child ended up dead next week.

[sharlan]

You are a mandated reporter. I say call both.

[UrKidnMe]

Please dont let this go. I would much rather call and be wrong about what is going on than not call and something very bad happen. This poor childs life could literally depend on your phone call. I have seen way too many stories in the news of babies and children being abused or worse by the hands of their own family or close friends. It makes me sick. If I am ever faced with such a situation I would not hesitate to call.

[SquirrellyMama]

If it weren't for the story she told you about the dad I would just call mom, but... With that story about how he hit her when she was pregnant I would call CPS.

Should you call mom and CPS? Not sure how that would work. I hate for mom to get into trouble but she sounds like she needs a dose of common sense and a wake up call.

K

[Willow]

Background info:
Mom is pregnant. We were discussing OB/GYNs one day and she mentioned that she didn't feel comfortable with a certain doctor becuase during a previous pregnancy her husband punched her in the face and gave her a black eye, and this doctor knew about it.

If he never did it again, and is certainly not doing it now, then there is no reason for her to fear returning to that doc. If she went so far as to share such an incredibly intimate detail with you means things are probably pretty dire and it's a cry for help.


Call CPS immediately and then ask them if they think you should call mom to pick him up. They may very well want to come and document his injuries themselves yet today before he has a chance to return home.

[melilley]

My jaw just dropped open!!!! Yes! Call CPS! You are a mandated reporter! Call mom if you want, but I wouldn't. CPS can advise you what to do! I really really hope that what the mom said happened really did and it's not the dad!

[Holiday Park]

I was about to come on here (assuming it wasn't that serious)and reply that you should mind your business because a cos call can ruin the family and break the a part for NO good reason ... But after reading that she brought hi to daycare and teeth were messed up only when the day before they weren't !? WTH ? That alone is seriously messed up ! I would call them right away before even talking to mom. Plus you need evidence that you tried to do something before they go and acuse you of abusing him yourself . If she has lacks so much sense to stay with a man who punches her when pregnant then I can assure you he has not stopped the abuse . That dad is probably a moster who is capable of more than you can imagine, behind closed doors.

[lovemykidstoo]

How old is this child? Does he say anything about what happened? I would most certainly call CPS and my consultant. Forget mom.

[bunnyslippers]

It is your responsibility as a provider to call CPS. No one likes to do it; however, the mother has already shared that her husband is abusive. She then brought her child to you with injuries that are pretty severe. It is not your job to interpret what is being seen by you or shared with you. You need to share the information with the correct authorities.

I am sorry. It is never a fun call to make, but it is one that needs to be made. Now.

[Binkybobo]

Ok, I called mom before checking back on here. and told her that she needed to pick up and I can not take the child back without doctor's note. I do realize it is my duty to call CPS regardless of what adult I thnik may get hurt in the process or the fear of losing income. You never know how you will react when put in this situation when you have formed a bond with a family, and now are faced with this decision. Thank you all for your imput

[Binkybobo]

How old is this child? Does he say anything about what happened? I would most certainly call CPS and my consultant. Forget mom.

3, does not talk much at all

[lovemykidstoo]

Ok, I called mom before checking back on here. and told her that she needed to pick up and I can not take the child back without doctor's note. I do realize it is my duty to call CPS regardless of what adult I thnik may get hurt in the process or the fear of losing income. You never know how you will react when put in this situation when you have formed a bond with a family, and now are faced with this decision. Thank you all for your imput

So what did the mom say? Did you tell her that you thought that he was abused? You are not calling CPS then I take it?

[Willow]

3, does not talk much at all

Another red flag.....


Please take pictures to document before he leaves. CPS investigator will want them.