Do better than detaining frightened children

The children who need Linn County Youth Shelter services are largely invisible, and it appears that since the 10th Street shelter was damaged in the flood, they have once again been pushed aside.

As a volunteer on Linn County Foster Care Review boards, I read the files of many children who have been removed from their homes suddenly and under stressful circumstances. They feel lonely, afraid and worried about their families. Just when they feel completely vulnerable, society often sends them messages that cause further damage. These children frequently leave home with a few belongings tossed into a garbage bag. Since the flood closed the shelter, if no foster care placement is immediately available, they might be sent to a wing of the Linn County Detention Center currently reserved for this purpose.

Children think in concrete terms. They know garbage bags are for things no one values. They are well aware that police cars and windowless cells are for people who have done something wrong. They often believe they must have done something awful to cause the breakup of their families.

Even if counselors reassure them that they are not to blame, these children tend to believe what they feel and see with their own eyes, rather than the words of adults. Frightened children do not belong in detention. Surely we can do better!

Alice Dahle

Cedar Rapids