Abandoned children are often left with a feeling of worthlessness and shame. As a result, they may have difficulty forming healthy relationships and becoming emotionally stable. In some cases, these children resort to self-destructive behaviors like drug use and emotional abuse, which can lead to a variety of medical problems in adulthood. It is crucial for abandoned children to receive psychological help and intervention in order to develop into healthy adults.

Abuse and neglect are common causes of abandonment in the United States. Abandonment is considered a form of child abuse that can be prosecuted under state laws governing child neglect. Abandonment is also the basis for divorce, and it can affect custody of children as well as other aspects of a divorce settlement. The law defines abandonment as conduct that amounts to a conscious disregard of parental obligations and leads to the destruction of the unique parent-child relationship.

A parent can be guilty of abandonment if he or she deliberately leaves a child with no intention of returning. Abandonment can also occur if a child is deprived of essential needs like food, shelter and emotional care. Regardless of the legal definition, it is important for any abandoned child to receive intervention and support.

Young children react to abandonment by regressing into feelings of anger and despair. They may act out or have trouble in school and are unable to form healthy friendships. Those who are abandoned in childhood have high levels of aggression and low frustration tolerance. Their rage is usually directed at people who are closest to them, especially those that are trying to help.

Anxiety and restlessness are common in abandoned children from nine to 12. They find it hard to concentrate at school and struggle with depression and anxiety. They also feel they are a drain on their remaining parent’s resources, and their self-esteem suffers.

Some countries have orphanages or institutions that assume custody of abandoned children and provide them with the necessary food, clothing and emotional care. Other abandoned children are found by the police and taken into foster care, or adopted by people in their community. Abandoned children are most at risk of maltreatment if they are neglected or mistreated by their remaining parents.

The trauma of abandonment is profound and can last a lifetime. The remaining parent should be aware of the effects of abandonment and be able to offer the child reassurances that he will not leave him again. If the child displays signs of severe mental distress such as self-injury or extreme aggression, the remaining parent should seek professional help immediately. The best way to assist an abandoned child is to give him access to educational and emotional support, so he or she can become a productive member of society. It is also important to ensure that abandoned children have access to healthcare and housing. Providing these children with these services can mitigate the long-term impact of abandonment and make it easier for them to live fulfilling lives.