Some of the 16 children discovered at a Ohio home in deplorable conditions were unable to speak and one — an 18-year-old who was developmentally disabled — could not even write her name.
After being rescued Tuesday, seven were taken to hospitals, including one who was in critical condition, investigators said. Their current conditions weren't immediately known Thursday. Child welfare officials have temporary custody of the children.
If what investigators allege is true, it could be the beginning of a difficult road ahead to undo years of abuse, neglect and trauma and not all foster families can accommodate such severe cases. Ohio also has a shortage of foster families and it's getting harder to recruit, like in many states.
Some children could be placed into specialized treatment centers as part of their recovery.
"It's going to take a lot of work to address the emotional harm and some of the issues that are going to result from this," Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson said during a news conference this week, adding he's seen nothing like the conditions that the children were subjected to.