No bath for 6 weeks!

[littlemissmuffet]

Um, this is terribly upsetting if it's true... a child not bathing for several days in a row is negligent - 6 weeks is abusive... there is NO reason for this.

I will say one thing... I've had kids come with pen marks on them for WEEKS, but they'd have baths during that time. Some kids will not let you scrub them, I know because I WAS that kid one time.

Obviously there is something wrong if this child keeps getting lice though... are the parents dirty? Does the child/parents smell foul?

I too would document everything (including photos) and inform CPS asap.

[Binkybobo]

My head started itching like crazy when I read this! Seriously though, you really need to call CPS. I know it is hard to do. I had to do it last week, and I will not discuss the details of this online anymore. CPS can help the mom. If the child does not need to be removed, they may give the mother a typeof probation that requires her to take parenting classes. She will learn how to be a confident mother and how important it is to keep children clean and healthy. She may thank you for this in the end. It is also a confidential thing so she would never know it was coming form you. For all she knows it could be her neighbor. Call for the mother and child.

[Sugar Magnolia]

Why didn't you report this after week 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 with no bath? Never mind the lice, how can a child that filthy be allowed to attend? I am thinking CPS will be wondering this as well.
And how do you spend 3 hours bathing and picking through her hair while other children are in care? I'm sure you care a lot about this girl, and it seems you are friends with the parents......but this, if it is true, is definitely neglect. I could not imagine having such a dirty child for 6 weeks and not doing anything about it until lice shows up.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

Even my child, who was abused and neglected by his biological parents, bathed more frequently than every 6 weeks. Mind you, the tub had feces in it but he still bathed.

I would absolutely report this to CPS with no hesitation.

[countrymom]

call cps and explain the situation. Maybe something is going on in the house, but if she has had lice for a while then something needs to be done. I know you want to do good, but sometimes people just need a wake up call. Does she at least come in clean clothes.

[Unregistered]

You can't let fear of what would happen to you get in the way of what is best for DCG

In some cases if the courts are involved (though I doubt it would get that far in this case) they try to make it part of the agreement that the child stay in their current child care so that they can keep an eye on the child better and see if the provider notices any changes. But it is rare.

I would add to your contract and policies/handbook (if its not a part of it already) that:
As a family child care provider, I am also a mandate reporter and I am obligated by law to report any suspicion of child abuse or neglect or any reason to believe that their are health and safety issues and risks in the home including but not limited to: unusual marks, any mention of violent acts at home by a child, constant drug/alcohol use by parents, any constant pain or illness a child may expierience, lack of hygine, and/or lack of food. If I notice any of these signs or anything else I see as harmful to the well being of the child then I, as any other child care provider would, have no choice but to make a report." you can add this to your contract/handbook and make a copy and have all current parents sign it.

[Hunni Bee]

Why didn't you report this after week 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 with no bath? Never mind the lice, how can a child that filthy be allowed to attend? I am thinking CPS will be wondering this as well.
And how do you spend 3 hours bathing and picking through her hair while other children are in care? I'm sure you care a lot about this girl, and it seems you are friends with the parents......but this, if it is true, is definitely neglect. I could not imagine having such a dirty child for 6 weeks and not doing anything about it until lice shows up.

My sentiments exactly. A child who hasn't bathed even after two weeks, even taking bird baths, would smell horrible and have skin issues by then. Plus, if the OP bathes and takes care of the child as.she says, it seems she woukd have given her a bath somewhere in there.

I don't know.... I've had dirty kids, but six weeks is out there :confused: