Children’s Homes: Building Hope, Reversing the Effects of Abuse and Neglect

Physical pain is not the only thing that every abused and neglected child has to deal with. It might not be visible, but the emotional hurt is far more than the bruises and scars. Pain is something that lies within their soul and that would remain in them not just for weeks or months but even for their lifetime.

The emotional harm they have been through has the ability to create negative thoughts in their minds creating an unstable and unfavorable future for them, as stated in Healthy Children. Children who were psychologically or emotionally abused tend to be depressed or have suicidal tendencies. They may even grow up with violent behavior or marital and sexual difficulties.

That is why it is crucial to help them revert their situation. Besides, it is not just the children or the family who will be greatly affected, but eventually the community as well, as posted by the Safe Horizon.

The children's home in Birmingham has this goal built in their institution. They believe that there is still hope in every abused child's heart that can be the light to their dimming lives. "If you read some of the reports when the children come to us it's unbelievable," Jim Sullivan, Managing Director of the Children's Home Company in Birmingham, said. "The children have been sexually abused, physically abused and used in gangs," he added.

The insides of the children's home include a comfy space, big television, lots of encouraging words posted on walls and a large sofa, according to BBC. Children are also given the privilege to have their own rooms and decorate it on how they would like it.

To help them cope with their emotions and teach them to be responsible, staffs also allowed these kids to have their own pet. In fact, one of the kids own more than one animal friend, which are two guinea pigs, white rabbit and a goldfish.

An abused child staying in the children's home testified on how the institution has helped her cope with depression and situation she was in. "I was on heavy drugs and I was a serious self-harmer," the 17-year-old girl said in the interview. But because of how the institution have cared and supported her, she now has a great perspective in life with great hopes in the future ahead.