I have worked in social services. Yes, it is ugly and discouraging. I, myself, was an abandoned child in foster care, born to a single mother enslaved by alcoholism. My foster parents were the sort that look virtuous and benevolent but they were abusive and bigoted.

Years of teaching has taught me that helping others with patience, boundaries and forgiveness increases the odds of a positive return rather than diminishing it. Respect has to be given first so one can recognize and return it.

It isn’t a walk in the park but it is a necessary journey. It is neglect and abuse that creates these people and neglect and abuse will not cure our problem with them or each other. The outcome really does depend on the input.