I am not a mother but am concerned about someone in my community that could be possible abuse or neglect...

I went ahead and request for an investigation on a mother who:

Is intellectually disabled (learning issue).

Both children also have learning disabilities.

Mother has stated to me that she hates her son.

Son is 16 years old and is in the special education program at school.

Son has broken phones, computers, cut cords on appliances when angry.

Son behaves well in school, actually met with their teachers and the teachers love the son.

Son needs glasses but mother has stated that he always breaks his glasses and will not replace them anymore because of that.

Mother and children state that the mother's ex boyfriend is still living with the family even though family has said that he is no longer welcome and has been asked to leave. The ex boyfriend will not leave (is not on the lease, doesn't pay rent, is unemployed).

No member of the family has health insurance. Mother claims that she cannot get health insurance because they have pre-existing medical conditions (the learning disabilities).

Mother has put the cable service in the son's name as she cannot get service due to her poor credit.

Mother had a pitbull that attacked son, son had to get 8 stitches...took son to hospital and got him treated but told son repeatedly that "the injuries were not that bad". Told son that it was his fault that the dog was taken away and put to sleep.

Mom states there are many fights (mostly verbal) at the home.

Mom states that she doesn't know where to go for help. I have given her referrals for sliding scale counseling, places to apply for health insurance and she doesn't follow through and states they can't help her.

I reported all this to CPS. Now I fear that the mother will do something to retaliate if CPS determines that this case needs to be investigated.

I have since learned that there are a lot of parents that fear CPS. They say that CPS takes their children "for no reason". I haven't heard of this before.

Did I do the right thing?

How do I protect myself if the mother decides to come after me if CPS investigates? I know I should have thought of this before, but was just concerned about the family.

Feedback anyone?