Child Neglect - We Need to Be The Eyes and Ears for Our Youth

Right in my own backyard. Yesterday my husband and I were outside doing yard work, when I heard cars screeching, yelling and a lot of commotion going on at the top of our street.

I live on a side street, but the main road is quite busy with traffic and there is an excessive amount of speeding all of the time. We decided to walk up the street to see what was happening. Of course, in our mind we were thinking it was probably another car accident.

What we walked up upon was something that we were definitely not thinking about. We see people in panic, neighbors grabbing blankets and running back and forth. I see three small children being whisked away into the neighbor’s house, as other people were passing along the blankets. The children were given cookies, so they didn’t cry. There was so much confusion.

As I examined the scene - there was no car accident, but cars were in the road aiming in two different directions. We went over to our other neighbor and asked what was going on, and the response left chills running down my spine.

Three small children ages 3 and under were in the middle of the road and one sat down. The toddlers had on t-shirts and diapers, that was it. The other child was also barely dressed, and they did not have on shoes. Thank God that these good Samaritans stopped their vehicles in the middle of the road risking their own safety to help these children. This road is so busy, that it is a miracle these children did not get hit by a car.

We were shocked and angry to hear that this was unfolding right in our own backyard. Everyone took action immediately, and because of that team work the children walked away unharmed. So many people stopped to help.

The BIG QUESTION is where were the parents, and how did they not know their small children were wandering the busy streets of Springfield? With all of this commotion going on, you would think that would signal whoever was watching these children, that something was wrong. NOPE… it was all silent at the home in which these children lived. The police arrived checked in on the children, gathered information and made their way down to the house.

Our neighbor informed us that the children have been seen out wandering before, this was not the first time. Also, there were police at the home on more than one occasion. Obviously, something has been going on in this home. The children were not going to be returning there at this time, but that raises a whole set of questions and unknowns.

Think about it. Regardless of what their home life currently is, that is all that they know. They stick together because that may be the only way they stay safe. Their world just blew up when they wandered into the street. We can call it a blessing because maybe these children will finally have a chance at a different life, but think about the TRAUMA that was instantly bestowed upon them.

Not only will they not be going back home, but what if they cannot be placed together? There may not be a foster home equipped to take in all three. In that case they would have to be separated. This would cause further trauma for these innocent babies.

Of course the right thing to do is NOT allow them to go home, and investigate the situation, but there are no easy answers or quick fixes. These children are now in fight or flight mode, as their young minds are being damaged by the whole situation.

We need to remember these things when moving forward to help a child heal from dysfunctional environments. This is just the beginning of a long road ahead of them. If they are brought into DCF custody (which I am assuming they are), it will be very difficult for them and this journey could go on for a very long time. The UNKNOWN. Will they be placed back with the family? Will they be removed permanently? How many foster homes will they have to endure, or will family step up and help and support these children? AGAIN… NO easy answers here.

The one answer that is a fact - These children were in desperate need of help, and maybe that is why they were wandering, seeking out someone to notice them. All of the good Samaritans that stepped up for these children are Earth Angels.

We have the ability to change the narrative, help those in need, and use our voices for awareness and change. There needs to be more people willing to do what this group of people did yesterday.

I pray for these babies, and I hope that they find their safety and peace.

Unfortunately, there are far too many stories like this one. There are countless children out there living in the UNKNOWN, and it is our duty to help in any way that we can.

Always be aware of your surroundings and step up as often as possible.

Children Matter.

Lisa Zarcone

Author - Child & Mental Health Advocate - Public Speaker - Blogger - Social Media Influencer

CASA ADVOCATE - Court Appointed Special Advocate in the Judicial System

MA National Ambassador for Naasca - National Association of Adult Survivors of Child Abuse