Last time I posted here about my two year old stepdaughter being neglected I was blasted for trying to be a good stepparent. This time, I won't hear it.
So last time I wrote in that my partner & I received my stepdaughter after she'd spent a few days with her biological mother. She had a rash from her bum to her vagina. It was red raw & had a funny odour. She screamed when we tried to treat it with some soothing cream. She'd come to us from her mother with unwashed hair or the same undies & socks as the day before still on. We've since recorded everything with the date in a book each time it happens. Again, last night, I picked my stepdaughter up & we went on with our night. When it was time for a bath she undressed and I could smell that funny odour again. I checked her, being familiar with the situation, and sure enough the rash is back. This time it has spots where blood had surfaced because it's so sore. She was holding herself as she got in the bath because it stung. I'm sick to death of it & with recordings of each incident & photos, my partner and I have decided to report her to children welfare services. Under no circumstance, is it okay to find my stepdaughter being neglected. I have two children - her and my son, and I have no trouble looking after both my children. The worst part is, she only has my stepfather a couple days during each week and can't even look after her properly. I won't allow it to keep happening, it isn't fair on our little girl. So my question is, who exactly do we ring? We are in Victoria.
Neglected stepdaughter part II
Neglected stepdaughter part II
Posted in:
Health & Wellbeing, Baby & Toddler
8 Replies
I don't know (I'm in different state). Good on you for standing up for your step daughter. I wasn't one of 'those people'.I assume you've taken her to a GP?
Perhaps take her for a check-up at the dr first (I assume you're allowed to do that?) Get the rash identified and treated. Have you spoken with the mother? Do you think she's willfully neglectful or do you think she's not actually capable of caring for her daughter? Because while they could possibly end up in the same outcome (you have her full-time) they are two different things.
I've no experience with this, I'm not sure who you would call? DOCs or DHS?
I remember you wrote in but don't think I commented. Anyway I don't think you should feel bad at all about reporting her. If you have tried to help her and talk to her but nothing's changed what else can you do. I think women get very defensive aswell so it's hard to give people advice. Anyway I don't know direct numbers sorry I suggest you just google it and try calling around. I would also take her to the doctors so they can document it and have a record of it (from unbiased 3rd party). Doctor should also be able to help you report this. When she comes back with a sore bottom don't put her In the bath if it's too painful. Just try and clean her with wet cloth and Wipes, sponge bath type style. And if you do put her in bath put small amount of baking soda in bathtub. Make sure the cream you are using is the right type maybe ask chemist what they can suggest. They might be able to suggest something that's more sensitive. Anyway I would also tell bio mum you aren't happy with how she was delivered to the house! Don't be nasty about it but you need to be honest. Might give her a push to pick up her game? And maybe get your partner to talk to her rather then it coming from you. Have you spoken about going to mediation to get more custody?
Deff take her to the drs so they can do cunner everything and then I would sugest dcp or even family court for sole custody. Also in regards to the rash with nappy rash or thrush or anything plane old itchy down their if you add a table spoon of salt to the bath water it will help with the healing. Hope you get this all sorted poor little girl
I would take her to the doctor. Doctors are mandatory reporters and will know who the correct authority is to report to.
Take her to the doctors and they can help you with what you need to do. Otherwise ring DHS in Melbourne and they will take a report of everything that has happened and then investigate. Good luck.
First a doctor should see her and examine the rash... then you should and need to call department of human services and ask to speak to someone in child protection.
no advise that the others haven't already given, start with the doctor, but good on you for taking a stand!