I expect to find a pattern where as Lee (1992) might suggest, a hierarchical ethical theory exists, where the concept of "serving the needs of others" in need correlates directly to one's status, race, ethnicity and other factors. This suggests some level of discrimination may exist especially amongst young children and adolescents who grow up in communities where they lack encouragement, support and family to shower them with love and affection. Indeed my initial responses included a feeling that I was obliged to provide each neglected child something to help fill the emotional void that must exist in the absence of proper parenting or family support.

A also feel it urgent that educators and community members consider their ethical and moral obligations to service those who might not otherwise be able to help themselves. In the face of such tragedy, such young children are more likely to grow into adults in my opinion, with behavioral problems and problems interacting with others in what society refer to as a "normal" environment. This seems reasonable given these children are not provided an opportunity at their young age to understand how to create bonds and form healthy and mutually beneficial relationships with others.

If ethical theory does indeed focus on interrelationships as Lee (1992) suggests, then one must examine closely how the lack of relationships between children, community and family may impact society. Clearly there is a deficiency within many communities, where children are often deprived of support, much to their detriment. I feel an obligation ethically and morally to stand up for these children, and would expect other caregivers in a place to do so (like educators or community organizations) should do the same.

By witnessing how much the lack of interpersonal relationships has affected the children in the small school I observed, I realize now more than ever how important it is for society...

Those who are deficient, or in need of basic things like food, shelter, love and support deserve attention before others, because they are the people most likely to suffer long-term consequences from neglect and lack of proper care and interaction.
Conclusions

My experiences working with children in the small school setting with the school nurse demonstrated to me very clearly that when one's basic needs are not met, one suffers on many levels. I agree with Lee there is a multidimensional hierarchy when it comes to ethical theory. One must acknowledge that deficiencies exist within societies that need to be corrected. Once deficiencies including neglect or lack of familial support or economic ability are properly identified, communities and individuals have an obligation to service others to ensure their needs are met as much as their own have through personal and intrapersonal relationship over time.

I am grateful for this learning experience, which while shocking, clearly demonstrated the idea that children's basic needs must be met, as must anyone's. This is especially true for disadvantaged children. There seems at least in the environment I worked within a lack of attention to servicing the needs of children who fall into defined categories, such as those who are abused, those who may suffer emotional problems, those who might be neglected or lack adequate resources to live well and prosper emotionally and physically. I feel a strong need to service others, and feel this could be easily accomplished through more interpersonal involvement with those who clearly demonstrate a need for support in basic life functions.