Calling the authorities in with this little information risks making innocent people’s lives a living hell.

Or just talk to the kid about what’s going on at her house without being overly specific.

After all, you have some evidence of 5 children being neglected. Neglect is one of four ways of abusing a child, the others being sexual, emotional and physical. Therefore, you have some evidence of 5 children being abused, although not actively.

They will tell you what you can do and how you can do it. Anonymously.

Now, I’m thinking this is Texas, and reports of child abuse may be discouraged. I truly don’t know. But every other place with which I’m familiar has a simple procedure especially for people like you and children like them.

Another thought would be to call the school and speak to one of the teachers. Ask that teacher if he/she has noticed anything, that you’re concerned and seeking reassurance. If the teacher is concerned, the two of you can plot. The teacher will undoubtedly have had instructions as to what to do in the case of suspected abuse, may simply need to be tipped into doing something.

Either of those should work. Although I wouldn’t be surprised if Texas doesn’t have a means of investigating that stuff until it becomes a clearly obvious crime.