Children Gone to the Dogs

As a private citizen, I would like to pose this question: Who protects the children?

I have a thirteen-year-old client that I am very concerned about. Her issues are chronic running away, promiscuity, poor school attendance, depression, and hostility. Who protects the children? I have reported the case to the Department of Social Services and they tell me that this young lady’s mother is doing all that she can and there is nothing that they can do. Who protects the children?

I get referred to the Department of Juvenile Justice and they tell me that running away is not a crime; it is a mental health issue. Who protects the children? I am then referred to various mental health agencies. These private, for-profit agencies tell me that they can’t treat a child that they can’t find. So, who does protect the children?

This morning, as I
rolled out of bed and turned on the local T.V. news, the first news I
saw was the ground-breaking ceremony for the new $2.5 million dollar
dog adoption center. As I finished getting dressed for work, I saw
Ellen (Degeneres), on TV, so distraught over a poodle that she has had
to cancel two shows. She just cannot cope thinking about this little
dog that has been removed from the home of her hairdresser’s young
children.

My question again is who protects the children? If anyone out there can
please tell me who I can call to protect the children from these same
types of issues that many in our community and throughout this nation
find appalling — as long as they are happening to dogs. In order to
protect pets from running away and in an effort to give a dog a good
life, our community has already raised 2.5 million dollars! And we are
on the way to doubling that so that this animal adoption agency can
become a reality. These poor dogs will have an opportunity for a good
life, thanks to the caring people of Asheville.

I work with young people everyday and I can’t seem to find out who it
is out there who is willing to protect them. Who does protect the
children? If anyone shares my concerns, let your voice be heard, and
please, please help.

Eric “Big E” Howard, MSW