We trust parents to be the shield between their children and the world. When that shield vanishes for a night of drinking, the results can be life-changing. This is a story about what happens when that trust is broken.

WHAT HAPPENED

Two mothers in Texas are in jail today. Police say they locked a 2-month-old baby in a room with two other small children. They did this so they could go out to drink and do drugs.

While the women were away, the infant was badly hurt. Police say the older children stomped on the baby and tossed him around. The apartment was described as filthy and not fit for people to live in.

The baby is now in the hospital. He is fighting for his life. He has severe brain damage and needs a machine to help him breathe.

WHAT THE EVIDENCE SHOWS

The baby is only 2 months old.

• He is on a ventilator with severe brain trauma.
• Police found the home in a "filthy" state.
• Both mothers face felony charges for injury to a child.
• The women also face charges for child abandonment.

THE BIGGER QUESTION

This story makes us wonder about the safety net for kids in our neighborhoods. How many children are living in dangerous homes right now without anyone noticing? We often look away from "messy" families until a tragedy like this forces us to see them.

WHAT HAPPENS NOW

The 2-month-old is still in a hospital bed. The other children are likely in the care of the state. Both women face years in prison if a jury finds them guilty of these crimes.

WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW

1. How long were the children left alone before help arrived?
2. Did neighbors hear anything or try to help?
3. What will the long-term brain damage mean for the baby if he survives?