DETROIT — An outpouring of support in the form of clothing and financial contributions has emerged for three children who have endured years of neglect from their mother. These children lived in a dilapidated home in suburban Detroit surrounded by unsanitary conditions, as reported by local law enforcement officials.

Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard expressed deep concern over the situation, stating, “You wouldn’t do this to an animal let alone your child.” He emphasized the severity of the neglect, explaining that though the mother would sporadically leave food on the porch at their home in Pontiac, she primarily resided elsewhere and had minimal interaction with her children—a 15-year-old boy and two girls, aged 13 and 12. The mother is currently incarcerated while authorities deliberate on possible charges against her.

The alarming situation came to light after the landlord reported that the mother was failing to pay rent, leading them to question the welfare of the children in the home. Upon entering, police discovered an intensely unsanitary environment, so hazardous that they were required to don hazmat suits to investigate. Bouchard described the conditions, noting, “Trash was piled in some places three and four foot high. Everything was covered with feces and trash.” The living environment was so dire that the children had been without a functional toilet for an extended period, marking years of hardship.

The sheriff detailed that the boy mentioned having only left the house on two occasions, one time solely to experience the sensation of grass beneath his feet, a revelation that struck Bouchard as particularly tragic. He asserted that the children were “basically abandoned” and felt unsafe venturing outside.

After gathering more information, law enforcement estimated that the children might have been living in isolation for over four years, with deliveries of food being made to the home, though the delivery drivers apparently were unaware of the children’s presence. The children’s father reportedly lost touch with them while incarcerated and was subsequently prohibited by their mother from having contact upon his release.

In the days following their rescue, the children have shown considerable improvement. They have undergone medical evaluations, received new clothing, and are being assisted with personal hygiene care, as reported by Sheriff Bouchard.