# 20/20 Special - The Turpin child abuse case. It's not over. Friday, Nov 19 **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [November 19, 2021, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/20-20-special-the-turpin-child-abuse-case-its-not-over-friday-nov-19/954642 "2021-11-19T19:14:17Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 19\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2021, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/20-20-special-the-turpin-child-abuse-case-its-not-over-friday-nov-19/954642/1 "2021-11-19T19:14:17Z")
Many will remember this case from 2018. The abusive parents are serving life sentences in prison. A lot of money was donated to help the children. But, the children have not received the professional support that was promised. I plan to watch 20/20 and learn more. I’m heart broken to learn these abused kids aren’t getting the help and funding that’s been donated. > [@](#): > > Their story attracted an international audience, prompting hundreds of thousands of dollars in donations from generous strangers. > But some officials and some of the Turpin children are now speaking out to say they still do not have access to many of the resources and services guaranteed to them. An ABC News investigation has found the some of the Turpin children continue to face challenges and hardships since they were rescued and placed in the care of the county. Some of them have even faced danger again. > > “They have been victimized again by the system,” Mike Hestrin, the Riverside County district attorney, told ABC News’ Diane Sawyer in an interview for the 20/20 special event, “Escape From A House Of Horror.” > **[Turpin children still 'living in squalor' 4 years after 'house of horrors'...](https://abc7ny.com/turpin-children-house-of-horrors-diane-sawyer-family-2020/11253099/)** > > "They're living in squalor," the local DA said, referring to some of the adult Turpin children. "They're living in crime-ridden neighborhoods." ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2021, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/20-20-special-the-turpin-child-abuse-case-its-not-over-friday-nov-19/954642/2 "2021-11-19T19:20:14Z")
This is completely unacceptable. 😢 Most of these kids are minors and can’t publicly express what’s happening. I understand the family had to be broken up. Foster homes were the only solution. But they are supposed to be getting special care: counseling, tutoring, and support. > [@](#): > > “They’re living in squalor,” Hestrin said, referring to some of the adult children. “They’re living in crime-ridden neighborhoods. There’s money for their education – they can’t access it,” Hestrin said. > > For Hestrin and advocates for the children, their treatment has been unacceptable – a tragedy that both shocks and compounds the horrors of their prior life. They say that the very people responsible for actively caring for the Turpins simply did not do their jobs. > > The Turpins’ dire circumstances are a symptom of failed social programs, critics say, and emblematic of incessant structural deficiencies in the human-welfare systems in one of the largest counties in the country, famous for the resort community of Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2021, 3:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/20-20-special-the-turpin-child-abuse-case-its-not-over-friday-nov-19/954642/3 "2021-11-20T03:32:48Z")
Diane Sawyer did a good job researching this story. They just played the complete body cam footage as the police entered and searched the home. I didn’t know that 2 childten were near death and wouldn’t have survived the family’s planned move to Oklahoma. The kids didn’t attend school and had almost no social skills. Jordan had improved her vocabulary by secretly watching videos on a phone. She learned about the 911 service by watching Cops. Jennifer is the oldest and appeared in the 20/20 interview. She’s not able to express herself like Jordan. I don’t want to even imagine the condition of the most abused siblings. It’s been over three years and I can see a difference in Jordan’s speech and confidence. I certainly hope they get the care needed to recover. The show is beginning to report on the failed care since the children entered the foster system. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2021, 4:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/20-20-special-the-turpin-child-abuse-case-its-not-over-friday-nov-19/954642/4 "2021-11-20T04:04:02Z")
I’d encourage everyone to watch this 20/20 report. Most of the 2 hour special covers the discovery and rescue of the children. It’s such a remarkable story and a reminder of what people can survive without being broken. Jordan has finished high school and is attending college. Jennifer is working and hoping to become a store manager. The investigation into the other kids care is just beginning. 20/20 couldn’t get any information. The case is hidden in secrecy and confidentially. Update. > [@](#): > > Officials told ABC News on Friday that Van Wagenen initiated the investigation on Oct. 28, one day after ABC News requested an interview with him to discuss the Turpin case. > > As part of the probe, the California law firm Larson LLP “will be seeking” to interview the Turpin children, the county said. Current county employees will be “directed to participate in this investigation,” but not required to do so. Former county employees and those who do not work for Riverside County will be asked to cooperate with the probe as well, officials said. > > The results of the inquiry will be released publicly when the investigation concludes, which officials said would be in March. [https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/county-to-investigate-care-given-to-turpin-siblings-after-rescue-from-abusive-parents/ar-AAQV5dN](https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/county-to-investigate-care-given-to-turpin-siblings-after-rescue-from-abusive-parents/ar-AAQV5dN) ---
**Author:** ![gkster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gkster/32/14107_2.png) [@gkster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gkster)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2021, 4:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/20-20-special-the-turpin-child-abuse-case-its-not-over-friday-nov-19/954642/5 "2021-11-20T04:52:00Z")
I wanted to watch this and forgot, and it’s over in my time zone now! Looks like it’s on Hulu which I don’t have. There are snippets of it on the ABC website but not much, which is very frustrating. Any suggestions on where to see more of it without a Hulu subscription? And it’s so sad that there’s money in trust for the family, but they can’t access it. Even worse, “After their rescue, some of the younger siblings spent years in foster homes where there were accusations of child abuse – including an accusation that at least one of the Turpins was a victim of such abuse, for which charges have been filed. Two of the older children have at times had to resort to “couch-surfing,” one advocate said, and, in at least one case, another was assaulted.” > **[4 years after rescue, some Turpin children still 'living in squalor' despite...](https://abcnews.go.com/US/years-rescue-turpin-children-living-squalor-donations-pledges/story?id=81254457)** > > Nearly four years after the 13 Turpin siblings were rescued from their abusive parents, an ABC News investigation finds that some of them continue to face hardships. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2021, 5:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/20-20-special-the-turpin-child-abuse-case-its-not-over-friday-nov-19/954642/6 "2021-11-20T05:16:49Z")
ABC streams their recent shows. You have to login with a cable provider account. I use my DirecTv account. 20/20 sometimes gets posted on YouTube. There’s interest in theTurpin case and it may show up. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2021, 8:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/20-20-special-the-turpin-child-abuse-case-its-not-over-friday-nov-19/954642/7 "2021-11-20T08:52:05Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > ABC streams their recent shows. You have to login with a cable provider account. I use my DirecTv account. That’s not helpful for those of us who don’t have a cable provider. Not everyone uses cable. I’ll keep an eye out on YouTube. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2021, 2:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/20-20-special-the-turpin-child-abuse-case-its-not-over-friday-nov-19/954642/8 "2021-11-20T14:48:13Z")
I get the impression that Diane and 20/20 will continue investigating the case. There may be a follow up next year after the internal agency review is completed. It depends on what gets released to the public. I’m very surprised the money donated in 2018 hasn’t been used as intended for therapy and socialization of the kids. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2021, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/20-20-special-the-turpin-child-abuse-case-its-not-over-friday-nov-19/954642/9 "2021-11-20T14:54:54Z")
Apparently you can stream 20/20 without logging in. I see the Nov 12 and Nov 5 episodes are already unlocked. I play them in my browser. I’ve never installed the ABC App. They’ll probably unlock the Turpin episode next weekend. > **[Watch 20/20 TV Show - ABC.com](https://abc.com/shows/2020)** > > Watch the official 20/20 online at ABC.com. Get exclusive videos, blogs, photos, cast bios, free episodes ---
**Author:** ![gkster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gkster/32/14107_2.png) [@gkster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gkster)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2021, 8:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/20-20-special-the-turpin-child-abuse-case-its-not-over-friday-nov-19/954642/10 "2021-12-01T08:04:47Z")
Thanks for the link! It took me straight to the show without needing a login, but that may be because my internet and cable service are from the same provider. Outrageous that some of the kids have been couch-surfing, abused in their foster homes, and unable to access the funds donated for their care. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2021, 9:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/20-20-special-the-turpin-child-abuse-case-its-not-over-friday-nov-19/954642/11 "2021-12-01T09:32:28Z")
Except… that is not particularly unusual for any kid in the US foster care system. The US does a pretty crap job of caring for our vulnerable people. ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2022, 4:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/20-20-special-the-turpin-child-abuse-case-its-not-over-friday-nov-19/954642/12 "2022-04-03T04:55:34Z")
I thought about starting a Pit thread, but decided to bump this one instead. A foster family where 5 of the Turpin children were placed have been arrested for (allegedly) abusing them, and two other children in their care. > **[Perris foster family accused of abusing children, including some believed to...](https://abc7.com/turpin-children-update-foster-parents-child-abuse/11701748/)** > > Three members of a Riverside County foster family faced a judge for arraignment, accused of the abuse of several children under their care, including some believed to be several of the Turpin children. The horrors never end for them, do they. ---
**Author:** ![Senegoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senegoid/32/6606_2.png) [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2022, 5:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/20-20-special-the-turpin-child-abuse-case-its-not-over-friday-nov-19/954642/13 "2022-04-03T05:51:39Z")
> [@nearwildheaven](#): > > The horrors never end for them, do they. There’s something else ugly going on there. From an article (widely reprinted, I believe) on March 31, 2022: The County is attempting to investigate this, and is being stonewalled by state-mandated and court-mandated confidentiality rules. I would have thought that people with a “need to know” should be able to get that kind of information. And that County investigators would be the kind of people with a “need to know”. > **[California county officials frustrated with pace of efforts to investigate...](https://abcnews.go.com/US/california-county-officials-frustrated-pace-efforts-investigate-turpin/story?id=83750285)** > > California officials say they're frustrated in their efforts to find out why social services systems have "harmed" some of 13 Turpin children following their 2018 rescue. (If that’s paywalled for you, try googling the words in the headline, or use “delayed” instead of “frustrated”, and you’ll find the same or similar article in many places.) > [@](#): > > Top officials in California’s Riverside County said this week that they continue to be frustrated in their efforts to find out why social services systems have “harmed” some of the [13 Turpin children](https://abcnews.go.com/alerts/california-captivity-case) who were rescued in 2018 from captivity and torture at the hands of their parents. > > The Riverside County Board of Supervisors had vowed to fix the system that broke down for some of the 13 Turpin siblings, but said this week that the process has been bogged down by a tangle of court-mandated confidentiality rules and other state laws that prevent information-sharing. ETA: It’s not just the children. Several of the children are actually adults now, and are in no way prepared to live independently. They have no education, no jobs (or poor jobs), can’t find housing, etc. And they are not getting the kind of social services they need. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2022, 8:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/20-20-special-the-turpin-child-abuse-case-its-not-over-friday-nov-19/954642/14 "2022-04-03T08:28:08Z")
Yeah, well, child and adult social serves are under-funded and under-staffed, and an with obsession with confidentiality I’ve long suspected is to protect “the system” more than the people in it. I doubt the Turpin children are an exception, it’s just that people are interested in their story, as opposed to all the other people in the system that literally no one really cares about. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2022, 2:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/20-20-special-the-turpin-child-abuse-case-its-not-over-friday-nov-19/954642/15 "2022-04-03T14:05:53Z")
So, one abusive foster carer has been arrested. It confirms what the older girl said in the ABC interview. It’s especially frustrating because a lot of money was raised to help the Turpin kids. I’d like to see an audit of those funds. ---
**Author:** ![Chad\_Sudan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chad_sudan/32/4509_2.png) [@Chad\_Sudan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chad_Sudan)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2022, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/20-20-special-the-turpin-child-abuse-case-its-not-over-friday-nov-19/954642/16 "2022-04-03T17:48:39Z")
I still can’t wrap my head around it. If I’m in social services and my office takes responsibility for the welfare of the victims in a high-profile, horrific abuse case… how do my colleagues and I manage to fail these children so spectacularly that they are re-victimized by new abusers? ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2022, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/20-20-special-the-turpin-child-abuse-case-its-not-over-friday-nov-19/954642/17 "2022-04-03T19:31:54Z")
MY thought is… what the hell is happening to the kids who _aren’t_ famous? ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2022, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/20-20-special-the-turpin-child-abuse-case-its-not-over-friday-nov-19/954642/18 "2022-04-03T20:15:19Z")
Very few foster parents are willing to take in multiple teenagers, so chances are, these “people” stepped up, probably for the stipend. It makes things much, much harder for genuinely caring foster parents. ---
**Author:** ![BippityBoppityBoo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bippityboppityboo/32/5745_2.png) [@BippityBoppityBoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BippityBoppityBoo)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2022, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/20-20-special-the-turpin-child-abuse-case-its-not-over-friday-nov-19/954642/19 "2022-04-03T20:44:31Z")
> [@nearwildheaven](#): > > It makes things much, much harder for genuinely caring foster parents. To say nothing of how much harder it makes it for those foster kids.