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Social Issues

Yes Reach Out

Answered by Jim LaPierre, LCSW, CCS

Question

If I know a small child is living with an alcoholic that is getting drunk every night while she is alone in the apartment as the only guardian should I call social services? She has the balcony across from mine and I can see her get falling down drunk every night. The little girl is about 6 and she is the granddaughter I think.

Hi there and thank you for your question - your concern is really a matter of common sense and yes urge you t contact whether you are required to by law or not. Its clear that this weighs heavily on your mind and that you have a big heart. If you are feeling brave, I urge you to reach out directly to the woman. Not late in the evening when she is impaired but perhaps much earlier. You could mention that your vantage point view allows you to see things that cause you to be concerned for them both (nonjudgmental)

Good luck and blessed be!

About the Expert

Jim LaPierre

LCSW, CCS

Brewer, United States of America

Specialties

Anger Management, Gay Lesbian Issues, Spirituality, Divorce, Compulsive Disorders, Trauma and PTSD, Life Coaching, Addiction or Substance Abuse, OCD, Mood Disorders, Parenting, Domestic Abuse or Domestic Violence, Anxiety or Fears, ADHD, Impulse Control Disorders, Relationship Issues, Women, Loss or Grief, Eating Disorders, Depression, Finding Your Purpose in Life

License

my_license #LC9830