Alabama officials failed to protect multiple children who were abused and neglected for years while in foster care, a series of lawsuits filed today allege.
Foster children who lived with Daniel and Jenise Spurgeon were sexually, physically, verbally, mentally and emotionally abused, according to the four lawsuits. While the children were starved, isolated, tortured and assaulted, the lawsuits allege, the Alabama Department of Human Resources ignored signs of abuse and neglect.
The lawsuits, each of which seeks $25 million and changes at DHR, were filed in Lauderdale County Circuit Court on behalf of four victims, including three who are still minors. To protect their identities, the victims are identified only by ages and initials: J.J., A.R., I.S. and H.S.
The defendants include DHR, Commissioner Nancy Buckner, eight other unnamed DHR employees and the Spurgeons. (Daniel Spurgeon is serving a 25-year prison sentence for criminal charges brought in connection with the abuse. Jenise Spurgeon is awaiting trial.)
Daniel and Jenise Spurgeon