Child neglect is very serious itself but still does not evoke the strong reactions that abuse alone does. So often the lines are blurred between abuse and neglect that it is hard to tell the difference between the two.

When a mother in Maryland recently left her 5 young sons unattended in a basement in extreme squalid conditions in Prince George's County, the reply was an outcry for tougher penalties for child neglect. Many felt there was no differentiating between neglect and abuse in this case.

While there are 3 million reports made annually to Child Protective Services in the United States alone the question remains just how much harm is being done to these children. Mental and physical problems for short and long term abuse/neglect need to be examined more closely and addressed. Could childhood abuse/neglect lead to adolescent or adult depression, heart disease, juvenile delinquency or adult criminality? These questions are just the tip of the iceberg for the many issues that could develop down the road for children in harmful situations. We intend to explore every angle here and discuss all options because we as a society who must all live together are paying dearly.