Authorities in southern Ohio have discovered 16 children living in a squalid home, sparking shock and outrage in the small community. The children, ranging in age from 1 1/2 to 18, were found in deplorable conditions, with some unable to speak.

Investigation Underway

Investigators said the children were mostly confined to a small room in the house, which was filled with human waste. The family had moved around southern Ohio over the past two decades, avoiding detection by authorities.

The children were not enrolled in school, and neighbors reported never seeing them. The family’s ability to hide the children for so long has raised questions about the effectiveness of social services and the role of the community in reporting suspicious activity.

Four adults, including the children’s parents and grandparents, have been arrested and charged with child endangerment. The children are currently in the custody of child welfare officials.

The incident has sparked a debate about parental rights and the responsibility of the community to report suspected cases of child abuse and neglect.

Original reporting: NBC Connecticut (Hartford) — read the source article.