VINTON COUNTY, Ohio (WSYX) — The removal of 16 children from a Vinton County home this week is raising new concerns about the long-term trauma investigators say they may have endured.
Authorities removed the children Tuesday. Dr. David Lowenstein, a Columbus psychologist, who is not connected to the case, said the situation could have lifelong consequences.
“This is going to affect them the rest of their lives, it’s a major trauma,” Lowenstein said.
The children range in age from 1 1/2 to 18, Lowenstein said. Authorities described the living conditions as disturbing and unlivable.
Authorities say the children were kept in a 12-by-12-foot room for years and were not enrolled in school. It is not known if they could read or write.
Lowenstein said the youngest children may not remember everything, but older children will likely need extensive help.
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“The younger the age, if there is something good, there won’t be much of a memory because their minds are pretty young,” Lowenstein said, “But anyone who is three or four, one was 18, those kids are going to need long term treatment.”
Authorities say several children, including an 18-year-old girl, appear to be developmentally disabled, with some unable to communicate.
Lowenstein said treatment often begins with establishing trust.
“They have to trust somebody first,” Lowenstein said. “They don’t even know anybody, so they’ve got to learn, they’ve got to feel.”
“I would spend the first year building long-term relationships, so the person can trust me,” Lowenstein said. “There is a lot of work that needs to be done before you know what direction to go.”
The children’s parents and 2 grandparents each face 17 counts of child endangering.
Lowenstein said the case is a reminder to speak up if there are concerns about a child’s safety.
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“I would rather you be wrong,” Lowenstein said, “than miss something as serious as this.”