Sister neglecting kids ?

[Guest]

Hi,

I found this by looking up ways to help my niece talk about her feelings. She's 17, with a younger brother age 9. My Sister and above kids moved in with me OCT 2018 agreed hurricane Micheal. It was great at first. My Sister was attentive. But, now. She stopped working in Feb, until we argued and she started a job in May(I found her) "OVERWORKS". doesn't pay rent or staple bills consistently and met a new bf. That being said, both her children are left with me 92% of the time, except when she's come home for a nap or fresh clothes.. Doesn't make sure there's food, clean clothes, etc.. Almost 6 months of this. Our lease is ending here and we agreed to go separate ways.. I worry that she won't care for the kids properly. The 17yr old spends a lot of time sad and confused about her mother's decisions... I get concerned about how sad she is and try to get her to hang with me more. I'm not sure how to feel. No amount of talking or reaching out to her had changed.. But made it worse. Starting to think I'm enabling it..any body had this issue before?

[ccsmod0]

Hey there,

Your niece and nephew are lucky to have you to help take care of them after the hurricane. What you are describing could be considered neglect. If you feel the children are unsafe or not being cared for properly, you can make an abuse report. You can contact the Child Help hotline at 1-800-422-4453. They can also help explain the process of abuse reporting and some of the results that will follow. They may also be able to help you talk through some of your options in more depth.

We wish you the best of luck.
NRS