Reasons Why Children Are Removed From Their Homes

There are several reasons why children are removed from their homes. Below is a list of them.

• Neglect

• Sexual abuse

• Physical abuse

• Emotional abuse

• Child behavior problem at home or at school

• Caretaker inability to cope

• Parent(s) drug abuse

• Parent(s) alcohol abuse

• Inadequate housing

• Abandonment

• Child drug abuse

• Child disability

• Child alcohol abuse

• Incarceration of parent(s)

• Death of parent(s)

The concern that many people do not understand is that, even though these kids were removed from unsafe and unclean environments that was all they knew. Being in good and clean environment is not a motivation for many of these children. Below is a list of possible reasons why these children misbehave:

• Attention seeking

• Inadequacy and lack of confidence

• They do not feel well or use it as an excuse

• Being angry with someone or themselves

• When they are disappointed

• When they are discouraged

• When they are testing their limits

• Trying to assert their independence

After the child or children are removed, the Department of Children and Social Services (DCFS) places them in safe and clean environments. The second steps for these children are to be placed in foster homes until their behavior become severe for foster parents to deal with, and then they are placed in group homes. If this does not work either and with other behaviors that violates the right of others, then they are placed in juvenile halls. This is where they are expected to learn positive behaviors. The final stage for these kids is death penalty if all avenues do not work.

Working with these children have made me realize that one mistake, if not corrected immediately and replaced with positive behavior(s) can lead to unpleasant long term environment.

There are some children who can be saved and need not go through the whole process. One person can make a difference in one child life.