advice please urgently

[happyfeet2013]

right i have a 4 year old boy. Been coming to me since February. He came to me not talking. His mum said he was a selective mute.
He has grown into a lovely chatty well mannered wee man.

Mum not with dad she had wee boy at 18. dad not in we boys life really. only wants to see him when he feels like it. Refuses financial help to mum. Mum has a partner who basically provides for them both. mum was in employment and changed jobs to something better pay training etc.. She been in new job for a month.

scene set ....mum arrives to collect boy. says she needs to give me notice. all ok states she is better off financially not working and claiming benefit, rent etc.

following day mum rings me completely changes her mind says she is applying for jobs locally to hold his place for a few weeks. she will continue to pay me.

today mum collects child in bits. she breaks down cries and basically tells me she in serious debts ( doesn't go into detail) does sound severe. her partner helping all he can. very upset and says she must stop child coming to me as cannot afford it.
what should I do.... I have never had to worry about welfare of child. He is always clean , tidy, clothed etc Would eat a lot but that's not unusual for him...What should I do....?

[VeggieSausage]

Oh gosh this is difficult.....I would feel bad for them however if she has big debts and she can't afford to pay you this puts you in a tricky position. I would probably if it was me speak to her and see what the whole situation is and put her on to the citizens advice bureau pronto. I would probably have the child for nothing for her appointment with them......is she giving up her job? is she being made bankrupted? shame

Doesn't sound like the child is at risk just that mum is in financial trouble......

[moggy]

Oh gosh this is difficult.....I would feel bad for them however if she has big debts and she can't afford to pay you this puts you in a tricky position. I would probably if it was me speak to her and see what the whole situation is and put her on to the citizens advice bureau pronto. I would probably have the child for nothing for her appointment with them......is she giving up her job? is she being made bankrupted? shame

Doesn't sound like the child is at risk just that mum is in financial trouble......

I agree, just point her toward all support routes like CAB and also Children and Family Centre as they often have financial advisor who might be able to help the family. Child is in no harm, many families live in debt... just help them find help. I would not keep on the child for any more than the odd hour to help with debt-advise appointments, otherwise you are just adding to the debt problem.

[sarah707]

I would point mum in the right direction for help ... but don't let her rack up debt with you xx

[happyfeet2013]

I would point mum in the right direction for help ... but don't let her rack up debt with you xx

Thx

I just don't know its not adding up. She said to me today she went out to cab they told her she should never have tried to go out to work in first place ....would they really say that ?

[rickysmiths]

I would advise her to go to her Children's Centre they are set up to help and will direct her in the right direction.