The Turpin case is an extraordinary case of child abuse by parents that garnered international news coverage. Sadly, for most, the abuse did not stop. Six of the children went to abusive foster parents. Riverside County was responsible for overseeing the foster care services. It has now settled with the children in their lawsuit against them.
The case shines light on the California government’s failure to uphold its duty to act in the best interest of children. In law, too often do family court judges rely on a combination of factors in ignoring this duty to protect those most vulnerable. Many judges are making rulings based an honor system rather than precedent, expert opinion or proper investigation. These travesties harm protective parents and award abusers. We must hold those in government accountable if we wish to seek change and prevent courts who ignore abuse.