I realize this may sound harsh and cruel. After 25 years working with these problems in a variety of situations, I have to honestly admit I find it hard to be overly sympathetic to the parents who show up 18 months after the state removed their children from their home to show me a piece of paper saying they have an appointment for an evaluation at our local treatment center. Don't penalize them for their parents' failings. Don't deprive them of a childhood because you are focused on giving their parents a chance at adulthood. Whether this stems from their own traumatic childhood or not, it doesn't change the fact that their children deserve a chance.
Someone needs to make their children the priority.
Elise Sereni Patkotak is the North Slope Borough's public information officer.