The plight of abandoned children is one of the oldest tragedies in human history. While the proverbial newborn wrapped in a blanket left on a doorstep is the most common form of child abandonment, the issue is much more complicated than that and has many different causes. Children who have experienced childhood abandonment often have a difficult time connecting with others, feel unsafe in the world, and believe that they don’t deserve positive attention or care. These core beliefs can lead to behavioral and emotional problems in adulthood, especially when they aren’t addressed or treated with the support and resources they need.

What happens to abandoned children varies by country and, in the United States, from state to state, but in most cases, the goal is the same. Once a baby has been found, whether it’s in the proverbial bassinet or in a basket on a doorstep, local welfare departments and temporary foster families will take custody of it until a permanent placement can be found. Orphanages may also be involved if the parent wishes to surrender the baby for adoption, as they can usually guarantee that the infant will enter a loving adoptive home.

While the majority of children who are abandoned don’t end up in orphanages, there is a large number that do and the effects of this on their lives can be devastating. The reasons for parental abandonment can vary but typically include a substance use disorder, mental health issues, or poverty. A combination of these issues can make parents or guardians unwilling to be present in a child’s life, leading to their decision to leave them behind.

Children can be abandoned by their parents, but they can also be abandoned by other individuals or institutions, such as schools, social service agencies, and religious organizations. Regardless of the reason for their abandonment, the impact on the child can be devastating and cause lasting trauma. Abandoned children are at greater risk of mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. They are also more likely to struggle with attachment disorders and have difficulty forming relationships in adulthood.

Abandoned children are at increased risk of behavioral problems, such as aggression, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They are also more likely to experience relationship struggles into adulthood. The good news is that with the right intervention and support, abandoned children can overcome their difficulties.

Abandoned children require constant reassurance and a safe environment to thrive. It’s important to be available to them by listening and checking in with them frequently, and ensuring that they know it’s okay to discuss their feelings. It’s also important to remember that recovery from abandonment trauma takes time and a multifaceted approach that includes access to counseling and social services.