Dear editor,

When, as a parent or grandparent, we see neglect or abuse of our beloved children, and/or grandchildren, we report the facts to the Department of Child Protective Services. In doing so, we anxiously expect our allegations to be noted and investigated immediately; especially if we know of, and report, abuse or physical violence in the home of these children.

Anyone who has had any dealings with these circumstances must know that it is almost impossible to get these children removed from the home where the abuse and/or neglect is occurring.

While we have to wait days, months, or even years to get help for these children, we get to sit at home and wonder what the agency might be doing to help. Oh, you will get a letter from them to let you know if they have found your report to be worthy of a home visit and investigation, but you probably won’t get any other follow up information after that letter.

In the meantime, you get to worry yourself sick wondering if your beloved children or grandchildren are okay, or being abused/neglected even more because of your report to Child Protection. Too many children have lived through some things that others cannot imagine because some agency decided that they should remain in the home. Others have died.

How can we help our loved ones who cannot help themselves, when their fate is left in the hands of the government and people who do not really know the truth?

Doris Lesesne

Rockingham