Too many children in California are suffering from the effects of drug abuse and neglect. In most cases, even when a report is made the child will not be taken into custody unless there are signs of physical abuse or evidence on spot of drugs. So basically, the law waits for something really bad to happen before intervening. This issue has affected me many parts of my life personally and at present it effects those around me, along with countless innocent children and teenagers all over. Why is neglect not considered abuse? If a child is not bathed, fed properly, taken to school on a regular basis isn’t that abuse? I would say that living in a place with dirty needles on the ground and couch is abuse. It’s dangerous and environments like this cannot he tolerated anymore. With a drug filled environment, violence and terror is often not far behind. Isn’t that considered abuse? I grew up watching abuse on a regular basis and it had traumatic affect. What about the countless children living in neglect and watching abuse? 
Who is speaking for them?

I want to see this change. I want a new law to be passed that calls neglect abuse, which it is. I’m tired of seeing children and teens suffer at the hands of their parents that aren’t being cared for because there’s “not enough evidence”. Maybe this post isn’t enough just yet to see a new bill or law passed. But this is something that needs to be talked about more. The more awareness, the more opportunity for change. I’m sure I’m not the first person to address this. But adding my voice and YOUR voice can only help. 

Wake up. This is happening. It could be happening to families living in your street. We need to get lawmakers attention. We need to see true justice come to these innocent children and teens.