Fionamay

My sister has been drinking for years. She had two HS aged kids and or two year old. I have tried for years with her younger kids to protect them from getting hurt. I'm afraid won't be able to so this with her youngest. Her husband doesn't drink but allows her to keep putting te baby in danger. My sister is mentally ill as well. Undiagnosed undiagnosed- but many fear to reach out and help her because they are afraid aw will harm them.

Social services has been called a few times but they come and see a "functional" dad and they leave.


What can I do

Straightshoot

Is a family intervention possible with other family members and with friends?

Yteirbos

Social Services is a good idea IMO but they need to know exactly what is happening and who it is that they need to observe. This is tough, very tough. Keep trying any way you can and keep and eye on yourself.

Fionamay

We have tried to talk to her about her drinking - nothing works.
Is social services always anonymous ?

I'm scared of her to be honest.

Inca

Scared that she will hurt you? Or scared she will hurt the kids? I guess I would ask myself if it's a good possibility she could hurt someone if you avoid getting help. If the answer is yes then reaching out to social services or some other means of help may be beneficial for those involved.

ScottFromWI

Where does her husband stand on all this when social services has been there? If he's protecting her its enabling potential harm to the children by ignoring her issues. If you have first hand knowledge that she is doing things like driving drunk with children in the car or knowlingly neglecting or abusing them its your duty to notify the authorities. In some states it's even the law and individuals can be held legally accountable for not reporting it.