Peacocks

[Janepie33]

Has anyone ever reported a concern about a child in their care, only to have the parents then point a finger at the reportee?

[figarogir1]

I've been lucky but it is always a risk you just need to make sure that you write down any incidents that happen involving the child and if possible - I work in a school - have witnesses to back you up . In the long run though I am sure the accusations will be seen by those investigating as retaliation. The most important thing is the childs safety and you have done the right thing in putting that first. In an ideal world the parents would be greatful to you for taking such care of their child but sadly we don't live in an ideal world.

[Janepie33]

The head teacher and social services are confident that I followed all procedures to the letter (thank goodness I'd recently brushed up on my child protection training) and said not to worry. But of course I am sitting here worrying!

[chickenanne]

This is something which i have never had to experience. But it sounds to me like you ahve done absolutely the right thing for the sake of the child. It must be stressful, but I'm sure the parents becoming aggreived is pretty commonplace in that kind of situation.

[AJuff]

Whatever you have reported, you reported in good faith. Regardless of what the parent's opinion is, you have acted, which is always the right thing to do.

[figarogir1]

If the head and social services are supporting you I am sure you will be fine. It is horrible to think that somebody could accuse you but unfortunately it is quite a common event You need to look at it for what it is, a parents attempt to deflect the attention away from them. You were doing your job reporting your concerns and if more people were brave enough to do the same we would prevent a lot of cruelty. I can imagine that you feel awful now but think about how you would feel if you had done nothing and something terrible had happened to the child. You did completely the right thing so be proud of that.

[BeckyBoo]

it's a very common reaction, depending on the nature of the accusations. "Ooops, word censored!"ody likes to be "accused" of bad parenting, even bad parents. But, as stated, and as written in law, the welfare of the child is paramount. Agencies involved in the investigation of child protection matters are very used to all sorts of reactions and bogus allegations, and whilst duty bound to investigate them, they're pretty switched on to finding the real issue. After all, if you've done something to a child you're not likely to report yourself are you?

 

Still, not a nice position to be in, especially if you're in a position of responsibility with other children. These things are normally investigated pretty expeditiously.

 

And what is the alternative? Say nothing, and if something happens to the child you'd always be wondering, what if I'd said something. You did the right thing, hang in there

 

BeckyBoo

[Janepie33]

Thanks for your support everyone. feeling a bit better now. I know I did the right thing and even though I seem to have opened a huge can of worms I am still sure that it was better to do something rather than nothing. I have been working in childcare for nearly 30 years and I have never experienced this before. Lucky I suppose, after all the horrors we read about in the papers.

[DebC]

You have absolutely done the right thing. Child Protection is so important. it is better that that a concern is looked into rather than swept under the carpet. You would never be able to forgive yourself if you did nothing and something much worse (and we've all read the papers) happened.

 

Keep your chin up!

[jlo]

At a recent Governors' Training on Safeguarding, we looked at a true life case study and, after the little girl died, so many people came forward and told of their concerns - but noone had reported them and the poor wee soul suffered and dies. It's better to be wise before the event than after. You have absolutely done the right thing and I hope that you don't get any more hassle from the parents.

[Alis girls]

Lets face if God forbid we have another Baby P - the health authorities, teachers etc are criticised and if it is you've save a life then so be it. As a nurse I wouldve done the same and have - you are dammed if you do and dammed if you don't - so well done. We wouldnt hesitate to report a bad animal owner so why not a parent.

[Chucky Mama]

Regardless of what goes on around you you have to do what you think is the right thing. You have to live with any decision that you do or don't make. It is you that has to live with your conscience, no one else. I reported a case to social services last year, nothing was done. Months later I had cause to take the child in (of course you are not supposed do things like this )and call the police This child was at risk, social services had to send out an emergency team Other people had looked on and done nothing. If you know that you are right you have nothing to worry about.

[The Dogmother]

Good for you, those of you who have stood up for yourselves and followed your instincts; it is a risk, but as others have said, it's one worth taking.

[Egluntyne]

Better that a false alarm be investigated than a child be left in danger.