Why criminal troubles the least of Miranda Rifenburgh's worries

There must be a variety of theories as to why Miranda Rifenburgh abandoned her children on January 14. My thought, when hearing a report on my local Fox affiliate tonight is that at twenty-five, Rifenburgh must have wanted to simply escape her life and all of its responsibilities. Well, that's just my impression anyway, based on nothing.

The news station reported:

Rifenburgh texted [the father of her children] earlier that day to say she was leaving him and the children, 22-month-old Isabella and 6-month-old twins Sophia and Michael. When he arrived at the home, all of Rifenburgh’s belongings were gone and the kids were alone.

But regardless of why, the more important question is what now for Rifenburgh?

Well, the news I saw focused on the criminal charges Rifenburgh faces for child abandonment when she eventually turns up.

But criminal charges are the least of her worries.

No doubt New Hampshire's Department of Children, Youth & Families have filed a care-and-protection case against Rifenburgh.  What will follow is a case that Rifenburgh is unfit to care for her children.  She could stipulate to this, fail to answer a summons, or--should she turn up--she could take the case all the way to trial.

Then, a judge could find her children in need of care and protection, or even terminate her parental rights forever.

Whether she spends time in jail or on probation on her criminal case appears to be the least of her worries.