Neglect in the U.S.

You've probably seen headlines regarding the neglect and malnourishment of children in poorer nations. But what most people don't know is there are twice as many cases of negeglected children in the U.S. than there are sexually and physically abused combined. According to Dr. Bruce Perry, a child psychiatrist, approximately 500,000 children are neglected annually by their caretakers.

[Above: Dr. Bruce Perry on the Oprah Winfrey Show.]

Today on the Oprah Winfrey show, a special aired on the subject of child neglect, primarily on one little girl named Danielle. Danielle was subject to neglect on a daily basis, leaving her with the functioning skills of an infant today. When Danielle was six years old, she was found by Florida police, cowering in a dark, damp basement infested with mold, cockroaches, and feces. She was just 43lbs. at the time. Today, Danielle is ten years old, and has been adopted by a family that is more able to care for her, fortunately. Diane and Bernie Lierow have taken care of Danielle for the past year and a half.

To read more about Danielle and other cases of neglect, go here.