I want to call to report a Family Member, but I'm not sure how it will affect the kids?
For context - These are family members who are currently going through a messy divorce, however ever since I've known them, the mom has repeatedly proven she's not a capable caretaker for their four kids. Her eldest is in her teens, and basically has taken over the role of mother for the youngest, meanwhile they all are Homeschooled and the second youngest is 6, and can't read or write. They jump between houses because their dad works full time to try and provide for them, meanwhile the Mom repeatedly has asked for money from him (despite her also having a full time job). The mom has also spoken negatively to the kids about the father - things that no one in the family, or even one of the kids themselves - believe because it's so horrendous. If anything, there's more evidence of her being verbally abusive to him - but it's all speculation at this point. Long story short, we as a family are trying to help them in any way we can, because the kids deserve an education and a stable home environment. I don't want to place the kids in a hard situation, but I'm at a loss since the mom has cut off contact entirely and doesn't seem to care about her children's education, health, or mental well-being. (There have been multiple instances of the mom degrading her second oldest's appearance and blaming her for her own health issues...) We wanted to keep it within the family, but because of the education gap with the children and the fact that they are moving forward with the divorce... I need advice. Is this a situation where CPS should be called on the mom, or is this a "Wait it out" and get the kids help after the divorce is settled situation?
Any advice is appreciated!
UPDATE: Thank you all for the advice, I'm now more aware of what would be seen as CPS worthy, versus normal concern. Still deciding what to do moving forward since the Dad is currently in the process of moving to a new house, and the Mom is slowing down the process of the divorce because of this. My current frustration is just the fact that the Mom still won't take any responsibility for her actions, but it's out of my hands at this point. I don't think CPS is needed, but I do really hope that something changes so that the Kids will have a more stable Home life going forward. Thank you all again.