One of the most difficult things I have ever had to do in my adult life is report someone who looked up to me to Child Protective Services for neglect. These children were suffering both physically and emotionally, and I was told by a professional that if I didn’t report this, she would.

Child neglect is often overlooked and forgotten as a form of trauma, yet it can be one of the most devastating. When a child is deprived of the essentials that he or she needs to survive, the results of this trauma can follow this child for a lifetime. Having raised adopted children, even neglect inside the womb can result in issues for the traumatized child, like failure to thrive, for example.

Many neglected children when they reach a certain age, have the job of parenting their younger siblings. Not only are they unqualified for such a job, but they miss out on a normal, healthy teenage experience. This type of neglect can lead to teenage pregnancy, low self-esteem, and even addictions later in life. 

Being a person who loves children, my trauma/neglect radar is always on. Awareness is the first step in helping and healing the forgotten survivors of neglect. There is plenty of hope for these kids if we, as a community, are willing to get our hands dirty and help.