(Editorial - Graphic Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

“If you see something, say something.” We’ve said it so often, because the most vulnerable among us are depending on someone to take that step — to be their lifeline. And yet, it seems when neighbors called West Virginia’s Child Protective Services to report suspicions about a couple in Sissonville, no help came. Thank goodness those neighbors persisted and eventually called 911.

When first responders arrived, according to a report by WOWK, they found two teenagers living in the squalor of a small shed — in October — and another child found alone in the home of adoptive parents Donald Lantz and Jeanne Whitefeather. The pair have been arrested.

Why was there no help for those children from CPS? The usual answers are being batted around: staffing shortages, high caseload, low pay … the kinds of things that MIGHT find a solution through the state legislature.

Something else is going on here, if it is accurate that numerous phone calls to CPS were simply ignored. Something is broken in the mindset of those who ARE on the job and getting paid. Yes, of course, if there is a way to responsibly pay CPS workers more, and recruit more to their ranks, lawmakers should look for ways to do so. But they must also dig into whether there are some already on the job who are not fit to be. Is there a training gap? An organization problem? Why did CPS fail those kids?

“Sissonville, certainly that is a horrendous case. Everybody’s heart breaks when they see the facts behind that matter. But if CPS was notified previous to this news story where the arrests were made, I think it’s important that we understand that,” State Sen. Mike Stuart, R-Kanahwa, told WOWK.

Those who kept calling until they found someone who would help are to be commended. Those who dropped the ball have some soul-searching to do.