Boys adopted by James and Stephanie Dickinson

Five boys and two disabled women were locked in a basement cell, fed meager food, (like "doggie dew stew"), and rarely allowed to bathe. The Dickinsons were given an adoption subsidy consisting of federal, state and county dollars; they were paid $9000 a month to care for the seven.

According to reports, families adopting children who are disabled or are at least five years old are eligible for the subsidies, regardless of income, but under federal mandates do not have to disclose how they spend the money.

Date: 2007-09-19

Placement type: Adoption

Type of abuse: Non-lethal deprivation, Economic exploitation

Abuser: Adoptive father, Adoptive mother

Disabilities: yes

Location

Lancaster, Pennsylvania
United States

See map: Google Maps