Abandoned children are among the most helpless victims of poverty, disease and exploitation in our world. With no one to care for them, these kids must rely on strangers for food and shelter. This kind of abuse and neglect can lead to serious emotional problems, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and difficulty forming attachments. Those who have experienced such abandonment may also be more likely to engage in risky behaviors.

Although every parent has parental rights, those rights don’t give them a license to abandon their kids. In fact, abandonment is considered a crime in most jurisdictions. The exact definition of abandonment can vary by state, but it typically involves a conscious disregard of parental obligations to the point where the unique parent-child relationship is destroyed.

Some parents abandon their children by physically leaving them for extended periods of time. A judge can also consider this a form of abandonment if the parent has not made arrangements for their child’s care. The most severe cases involve a complete absence from the child’s life for more than six months.

Other parents abandon their children by emotionally ignoring them. These types of parents are usually the ones who have not had their own needs met as children, so they may lack empathy or a basic understanding of a child’s need for affection, closeness and support. Such parents might ridicule their children, stifle their emotional expressions, use drugs or alcohol or fail to spend adequate time with them. They might rely too much on their children to do parenting duties or place excessive expectations on them.

The effects of abandonment on a child are long-lasting and can have a profound impact on his or her life as an adult. It is important to understand that these kids need a support network and are often unable to trust others. This makes it critical to provide access to mental health services and other forms of social support.

Besides providing psychological support, abandoned children need access to education, healthcare and safe housing. They should also be provided with opportunities to develop a sense of belonging. If they do not have these things, they are more likely to become involved in illegal activities as adults, such as drug trafficking or gang activity.

Although it is hard to understand why parents abandon their children, there are many reasons that they do. These reasons may include domestic violence, societal pressures and a lack of resources. It is crucial to understand the underlying issues that cause such decisions so that effective interventions can be developed. In addition, it is vital to remember that most abandoned children are not victims of cruel or intentional acts. The majority are simply struggling with a lack of resources, a feeling of hopelessness and a desire to survive. Understanding their plight will make it easier to help them overcome their trauma and create a better future for themselves. If you believe that your child has been abandoned, an attorney can help.