ADOPTIVE FATHER OF 19 AWAITS WELFARE CHECKS

Post-Tribune (IN)

Author: The Associated Press

Dateline: SHELBYVILLE

The adoptive father of 19 Haitian children says he doesn't even have enough money for gas.

Dan Blackburn, who was awarded custody of the children in a divorce battle, has been ordered by a judge to quit work, apply for welfare and stay home to raise the kids.

But the welfare payments haven't started, and Blackburn, a former missionary, says he's broke.

"I'm out of money and out of gas, and grounded until somebody brings me out some," he said.

Blackburn, who was working up to 70 hours a week at two jobs paying $7 an hour, said he was assured welfare benefits would start within days after Judge Charles O'Connor issued his order.

But 10 days and reams of paperwork later, Blackburn says he still hasn't seen a dime from county welfare officials.

"At this rate, I don't think they could organize a dog fight if I gave them the dogs," Blackburn said. "Next time they tell somebody to quit his job, maybe they better plan to have something available within the next day or two."

Benefits may not begin for three more months, he said.

Kris Meltzer, the attorney for the county Office of Family and Children, said he was unaware of any problems with Blackburn's' assistance.

Blackburn and his former wife, Kathy, adopted 28 children, many with special needs, while the two served as missionaries in Haiti. Last summer, O'Connor awarded Blackburn custody of the children still at home.

County welfare officials last month reported filthy and unsafe conditions at the home, prompting O'Connor to issue his order.

Blackburn says he's already spent his meager savings on court-ordered improvements to the house.

Meanwhile, he has depended on the kindness of friends who supply groceries.

"If it hadn't been for that, we'd have been up a creek," he said.

Court-ordered child support payments of $68 per week from his former wife never have been made, Blackburn said.