After my first visit to an orphanage, it was hard to accept that children were living in those conditions. As hard as that was for me to believe, the ones who are most vulnerable, the mentally and physically disabled, are suffering far worse. The atrocious conditions of these mental institutions are almost to painful to discuss. During my inquiry I came across an investigation completed by the Mental Disability Rights international ( MDRI ) that discussed in detail the serious human rights violations against both children and adults in mental institutions. The heart wrenching report was based on mental institutions in Romania and surrounding Eastern Europe areas. I will never forget the painful memories of my daughter’s orphanage. However horrendous these conditions were, mental institutions are simply inhumane. These abandoned children and adults are being treated like tortured prisoners - never to be released. Due to inadequate staffing in most of these institutions, most children never leave their cribs. These children are becoming psychologically and developmentally disabled as a result of this placement. They make rhythmic sounds from dislocated jaws, common in children left lying down for extended periods. Other children and adults are tied to chairs, beds, and radiators with sheets or cloth wraps. Sometimes they are tied so tight for long periods of time that when the restraints are removed their skin comes off with the restraint. They are malnourished, so emancipated that they appear near death. Their arms and legs are atrophied and twisted into pretzel-like shapes from disuse. In some institutions men and women share beds, crammed side by side in tiny rooms. The women are given monthly shots of the contraceptive Depo-Provera because of these unimaginable conditions. These victims urinate and defecate in their beds, where they are also fed and usually never leave. Our hope and purpose is to bring awareness of the human rights violations of these children and adults with disabilities around the world. We feel that it is our responsibility to speak for those who can’t speak for themselves. It is our hope to help those who can’t help themselves. It is our goal to make a difference.

If you would like a copy of the full report completed by MDRI please Contact Us.