How do YOU appropriately write about morbid events?

[Templeton]

I have a B.A. in journalism and this is question is for journalists or those in related professions.  

 

I am struggling with writing an essay about the foster care and orphanage system and how much a kid or teen can learn by growing up there.  On the one hand, I feel that I need to spell out what goes on there to make my point, but on the other hand, I feel that spelling out awful things can sometimes be a boundary violation.  Does anyone have any advice?  

 

Edit: This is my first post on this forum.  It was rush because the janitor is locking up.

Edited May 9, 2015 by Templeton