Should I call child protective services?

Instead of calling social services I would contact local churches, charities, and food banks and make sure the family gets diapers and food. A baby bed isn't a big deal, alot of children co-sleep. Our baby bed was pointless with our three year old. She co-slept until she was big enough to sleep in her toddler bed (didnt make that mistake with our one year old). I wouldn't be too concerned about the lighter, they are child proof. Although I personally wouldn't let my baby run around with one, I wouldn't trip out if he got a hold of one either because I know he couldn't light it. I would take it away from him though. Maybe, since you saw this child with it, you should have taken it away and handed it to the mother and said something like, "No, baby, that's not a toy. That is dangerous. Ouchy." Lead by example, maybe the parent isn't concerned that her baby could get hurt by a lighter

since it is child proof but it is never too early to early to teach them. It doesn't sound like the parent is abusive or neglectful, just poor. At least she asked for help with diapers instead of letting her child run around dirty and wet for days. It would have to be really rough on a person's pride to have to ask for help, even for diapers. Don't be so judgmental.

Urm it's a hard 1 but I would get advice off some1 before you do anything.

They don't sound like good parents if they are letting a toddler play around with lighters and have no food in the cuberds.

Social services don't really seem interested nowadays as I phoned them on a family member a few years back as the mother was drinking and taking drugs in a neighbours house all day and her kids of 3 and 5 were roaming the streets in tshirts and starving in the winter.

They used to go out most nights and leave the kids an never had food in the cuberds.

Social services seen if as a malicious call and took it no further and 5 years on nothing has changed. They have 4 kids. Still drinking and taking drugs and driving the kids around under the infulance and the kids are hardly in school.

It's a joke cuz these kids need protecting and they are still with the parents

I would try to get your friend help before assuming she's a bad parent.

My daughter is always finding a lighter, she can't use it, it won't hurt her.

As far as her not having food and diapers, may she's can't afford. And while it's not the most responsible thing, you may not quite understand her situation.

My daughter has a bed, but doesn't sleep in it.

Find a church, pantry, or even offer to take her grocery shopping.

And why is "parent" in quotations? You seem too judgmental, I'm guessing you've never struggled.

I would definitely call the police and child protective services. If might be to late for her to have a better childhood but you can help her have a better teenage life. If that was your child you would not want her to do that stuff. I think mothers like that should be made to have their tubes tied so that they can't corrupt other children. I would hurry and call before it gets worse.

talk to the parent, dont make out that you are thinking of calling on them. Just make them aware you have seen the child with a lighter and they mentioned that you had no food. Explain that if they need any help you're there. if they start to take the mick and come round asking for food for the baby yes call but until you have fact instead of thoughts then dont ring.

not worried about the lighter, she can't do anything with it. but she should have food and a bed. you could call right now if you want but i would find an excuse to go visit again in a week or 2 and check in again, sometimes money gets tight and food goes low and then they get paid and the fridge is full. if the 2nd time around there is still no food then it is time to give CPS a ring.

How do you know there is no baby food? Maybe she still drinks mostly from a bottle, also a lot of parents let their kids sleep in their bed. I'm not saying its right but maybe you misread the situation, plus I doubt the BABY can light the lighter lol, and my daughter has found them and tried to steal them before.

My husband is in the police, if he sees a house without food he must report them. The same if the house has no toys in it. Although, these reports very rarely result in any action.

Fortunately, you are in a position where you can choose if you report them. I'm not worried about them not having a cot- ours is practically useless at the moment as our son sleeps with us most nights. Many families choose co-sleeping for their kids and that doesn't mean they should get reported to CPS.

I agree with the others that you should talk to the parents- maybe get them in touch with charity groups who can help them with nappies and the like. Their response will help you know what to do.

You ask if you should call DYFS on parents well I would like you to carefully consider that before you put that family through nightmare and hardship and please read and watch this information and then decide whether to call on them or not.

CPS workers are the most powerful bureaucrats in the entire government. They have more power than provincial court judges.They armed with the power to remove children at will assisted by the police if necessary. They pretend that they promote best interest of the child but the truth is they profiting from trafficking kids from their loving families. Its private cartel in partnership with government. Success of the "Child Protection industry" is built on secrecy, fear of retaliation, public ignorance and apathy. Over 1000 children die of neglect or are tortured and murdered each year in care of CPS. Watch this too https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7horT_3Vy0. Thanks.

Try talking to the parent first.