Should I call CPS?

Question

I’m considering calling cps about a friend’s children. She lives with a guy who has full custody of a child from a previous relationship, her child from a previous relationship, and a baby they share together. They both work and can afford cigarettes/alcohol, but have hardly any food in the house and rely mostly on a church food bank. The children do not eat breakfast, lunch or dinner. She claims that they are all “grazers”.
The baby does not get put down for any naps at all throughout the day. She claims he refuses to take naps. The hose smells horribly of stale cigarettes. The boyfriend’s child is the one I’m most worried about. He is far behind academically. My friends disdain for this kid shows. She always has something negative to say about him and says it is not her job to do schoolwork, read to, or really anything extra for him. She is a little nicer to him when the boyfriend is home, but when he’s not, she is either ignoring or yelling at him. When the boyfriend isn’t working he is usually playing video game/smoking pot and not taking much care of the child either. I don’t believe either of them are physically hurting the children though. 
Should I call cps? Would they come unannounced? I feel like if she knew they were coming she would clean up and stock the fridge and act really nice and the kids wouldn’t get any help.

Answer

I would def call. I believe they come unannounced.

Answer

Tell your friend. She needs to be nicer to the little boy. He is just a child. She seems like an awful friend. Tell her her house smells like cigarettes. Tell her she needs to cook a meal and sit with the kids and eat with them. 
Don’t go over there and smoke in their house. Go outside every time. When she asks tell her your doing it for the kids. Don’t smoke their pot. Why are you going over there and sitting back and not saying anything? 
Speak up for the kids. Why are you hanging out there saying and doing nothing??? Sometimes friends help friends. Go over there with a pizza for the kids. Help your friend out. She obviously is overwhelmed and needs a little shove. If you still don’t see change report her. Don’t go there and not say or do anything.

Answer

Absolutely call cps wth how can you even be friends with a person like that

Answer

I would call. That sounds very questionable and sad.

Answer

I would definitely call them and explain they need to come when she’s not knowing. My parents had cos called on them and they would sometimes come unannounced and other times they would call ahead but always be in there best behavior when they came so ask them to do it without parents knowing ahead of time. I’m sure the kids would be great full for the help

Answer

You could call. The drugs and lack of food might be the easier allegations to prove here, but mention all of your concerns so they can check into it all. 
It really depends on what state you live in as far as if they’ll come unannounced or not.

Answer

Yes that sounds awful for those kids

Answer

You can always call and ask if they feel it's worth checking in on the family.

Answer

Second hand smoke is a real health hazard and I’m concerned for this little boy. Also drugs in the house is unacceptable. You can call on your friend anonymously. Be a voice for those three kids.

Answer

Report. As a social worker this is totally reportable. Where I live (NY) they come unannounced at all hours and will come in with police if family refuses entry. I’m surprised the school hasn’t noticed the older child’s issues or interviewed him.

Should I call CPS?

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