Parents who use Nebraska's new safe haven law to give up custody of older children may be sending them packing with some heavy emotional baggage.

Professionals who work with vulnerable children say feelings of abandonment can linger for life, causing depression and affecting future relationships.

Eleven children ranging in age from 1 to 17 were left at Omaha hospitals Wednesday under the state's unique safe haven law, which allows caregivers to abandon not only infants but also older children, including teenagers, without fear of prosecution. Nine of the children came from one family.

James Blue is the head of the Lincoln-based nonprofit Cedars, which works with abused and neglected children. He said the emotional toll of abandonment grows along with the child's age. They can show signs of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and other emotional disorders.

Blue said parents need to live up to their parental responsibilities, but help is available.

"There are 2 words I have for families that are stressed," Blue said, "Do not hit and do not quit. When you feel like doing either, reach out for help."

Click on the link above for comments about the emotional impact of abandonment on children from Lisa Blunt with the Child Saving Institute.

The state Department of Health and Human Services has set up a website with information on the Safe Haven Law, and resources for parents who need help. Click on the link to visit the site.