Young girl may be neglected

[purpleravenhawk]

This isn't about me but rather a 3-yr-old relative of mine.  I think she may be neglected, and I want to know what, if anything, I should do about it.  I'm concerned about starting trouble within the family, but I feel the girl's health may be at stake.  She always appears to be dirty and unkempt and most of the time, she smells of urine.  She has some sort of vaginal rash that makes it painful for her to urinate.  This has been going on for at least 3 months that I know of.  I've spoken to both the parents and the grandmother, who helps look after her grandkids, but nothing has been done.  I'm concerned that the rash or infection could become permanent or cause other health problems, not to mention the emotional trauma she is going through as a result of it.  Should I contact some authority, and if so, who?

[joycekatherine]

You say she has a vaginal rash...there may be sexual abuse here as well...I was sexually abused as a child and always had burning in my vagina...to me that is a RED flag!!  I hope that you have called the proper authorities as suggested by teko...if not, please do it now!!  You may save that poor child from years and years of therapy later on in her life...I only wish that someone had done that for me...

[teko]

If you are that concerned, you can contact the local county childrens protective services, and let them know your concerns. You can request to keep your identity annonymous, and they will comply.  It sounds like the child could have a yeast infection and if so, needs to be treated for it as it could make her so miserable. They will pay a visit to the home, so have an address handy, and will probably leave the child there but will monitor the conditions of care for several months if they c a problem. No one will ever know it was someone in the family that called.