California County and Agency Reach $13.5 Million Settlement with Six Turpin Children
A substantial $13.5 million settlement has been finalised with six children who were placed into an abusive foster home in California, following their earlier rescue from squalid and torturous conditions in their biological parents' residence. This agreement resolves a civil lawsuit that highlighted severe failures within the child welfare system.
Details of the Financial Settlement and Allegations
According to the settlement documents, Riverside County has agreed to pay $2.25 million to six of the Turpin children, most of whom are now adults. Additionally, the care agency ChildNet will contribute $11.25 million. The lawsuit alleged that the Olguin family, who took in the minors after their 2018 rescue, subjected them to horrific abuse.
The abuse included hitting the children with sandals, pulling their hair, forcing them to eat their own vomit, and making them recount their traumatic past. Marcelino Olguin was also accused of sexual abuse and was sentenced in 2024 to seven years in prison for abusing children under his care. His wife and adult daughter received probation for child cruelty charges.
Background of the Turpin Case and Legal Statements
The six children were among thirteen siblings rescued in 2018 from the Perris, California home of their parents, David and Louise Turpin. The parents pleaded guilty to torture and years of abuse, which involved shackling some children, starving them, and providing minimal education. They were sentenced to life in prison with parole eligibility after 25 years.
Attorneys for the six children, Roger Booth and Elan Zektser, stated that the settlement concludes cases that spurred critical improvements in Riverside County's child welfare system. They praised the Turpins' bravery in coming forward, noting that their actions led to meaningful changes to protect other foster children.
Responses from Riverside County and ChildNet
In the settlement agreement, both Riverside County and ChildNet denied the allegations from the civil lawsuit. Riverside County Executive Officer Jeff Van Wagenen expressed commitment to the wellbeing and long-term healing of all thirteen siblings. He highlighted changes made since the case emerged, such as increased coordination between child welfare and law enforcement and more trained social workers.
Eric Rose, a spokesperson for ChildNet, stated that the agency did not receive complaints of abuse while the children were in its foster care program, only after they had left. He emphasised that ChildNet's mission remains focused on helping vulnerable children heal, grow, and succeed.
Systemic Failures and Ongoing Reforms
A report found that the social service system failed the Turpin children, who ranged from ages 2 to 29 when rescued after their 17-year-old sister escaped and called 911. The case has underscored the need for robust oversight in foster care placements and has prompted reforms aimed at preventing similar tragedies in the future.
