Monday, September 20, 2010

Wait For the Punch Line

From the Joplin Globe:
A Missouri couple is trying to get their 10 adopted children back, but they stand accused of making some of those children sleep in calf huts and a truck trailer in their backyard.

Sharon and Reed Leonard were charged in August with misdemeanor child endangerment, almost a year after an investigation by the Newton County Sheriff’s Department and state child-welfare workers determined some of the children allegedly were forced to stay outside the couple’s home north of Neosho. Sharon Leonard, 51, also was charged with felony child abuse.

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“What I was told was they were given their meals on the porch of the home and had to ask permission from the parents to go inside and get ready for school,” Detective Dale Brashers said of the children allegedly forced to sleep in the backyard.

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The Leonards moved to Newton County in November 2008 from Wisconsin, where they’d operated the Hearts of Hope Adoption Ministry, a not-for-profit organization offering assistance in international adoptions, and Abiding Acres Kennel, a dog-breeding business.

7 comments:

Jeff and Madeline said...

Sounds as if they treated the dog and adoption business with the same guidelines--sadly, a pet shouldn't be treated that way, let alone children. I take it they were their own social workers?

birthmothertalks said...

That is plain sick!

Sandy said...

And people wonder why there are angry adoptees...

The plastic pipe noted reminds me of the adoptive family in California who are/were up on charges for the death of one daughter and abuse of at least one other daughter from the same type of instrument.

Are they still in the business?

Anonymous said...

Apparently they were confused. Oh my, that is just pathetic. How awful for the children.
Sue

Anonymous said...

Apparently they were confused. Oh my, that is just pathetic. How awful for the children.
Sue

Sandy said...

...the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.
- Job 1:21

When you go to the agency website in the article the above scripture is the only thing available.

Anonymous said...

As a victim of Reed's molestation, I think they should ask the children if he molested them. Ideal situation for a molestor wouldn't it be?