Thomas
Thomas’ mother’s struggles with substance abuse and her unhealthy relationships with men put Thomas at risk, and he was physically and sexually abused by several of her boyfriends.  Authorities believed that his mother was aware of her boyfriends’ behavior, but she made no effort to protect her son. Thomas became disruptive and defiant at school.  He lacked discrimination with strangers, which put him at further risk of sexual abuse… (read full story)

Cassie
When Cassie was three, she was found in a car with her incoherent mother.  Cassie’s mother was taken to a psychiatric ward and found to be
homicidal/suicidal, and near death from substance abuse.  Cassie’s parents had been fighting over a piece of jewelry they had stolen; and her father had smashed the car window to get it.  For the seventh time, Cassie’s dad went to prison, this time for armed robbery… (read full story)

Danny
Danny had parents whose lives were literally consumed by drugs and alcohol.  At his birth, Danny had to be airlifted to a hospital because of lung problems related to his mother’s substance abuse.  Not once did his parents come to the hospital to visit him. Upon his return home, Danny suffered extreme neglect.  Void of any cuddling or nurturance, he was left in his crib for most of two years resulting in, among other things, a flat head…  (read full story)