Child Abandonment: The Issue In America

Child+Abandonment%3A+The+Issue+In+America

Brooke Edgington, True Crime Writer

Child abandonment has become a more serious topic in modern times. According to a world fertility survey, millions of poor women want access to family planning; they would like to bear only the number of children they can take care of. Indeed, the organization estimates there are as many as a million children today abandoned to the streets. The United States Nations estimates 60 million children and infants have been abandoned by their families and live on their own or in orphanages in the world. In the United States, more than 7,000 children are abandoned each year. Poverty and homeless are often causes of child abandonment. People living in countries with poor social welfare systems like Chinan, Myanmar, and Mexico and who are not financially capable of taking care of a child are more likely to abandon their children because of a lack of resources. 

Being abandoned also has an impact on the children which can be determined to their growth and development. Those who have been abandoned can develop low self-esteem, difficulty in emotionally attaching and trusting other caregivers, guilt, clinginess, insomnia, eating disorders, and depression. Ways you can prevent child abandonment, Volunteer your time and get involved with parents in your community. Help vulnerable children and their families start a playgroup. Discipline never discipline your child when you are upset. Give yourself time to calm down, remember that discipline is a way to teach your child. Use privileges to encourage good behavior and time-outs to help your child regain control. Examine your behavior: abuse is not just physical. Both words and action can inflict deep, lasting wounds. Be a nurturing parent, use your actions to show children and other adults that conflicts can be settled without hitting or yelling. Educate yourself and others-simple support for children and parents can be the best way to prevent child abuse. After-school activities, parent education classes, mentoring programs, and respite care are some of the ways to keep children safe from harm. Be a voice in support of these efforts in your community.