How Could You? Hall of Shame-Brittany Ison

This will be an archive of heinous actions by those involved in child welfare, foster care and adoption. We forewarn you that these are deeply disturbing stories that may involve sex abuse, murder, kidnapping and other horrendous actions.

From Richmond, Kentucky, Brittany Ison, 19, a former foster child,  will begin a seven-year prison sentence “on child sex abuse charges after she was formally sentenced Thursday[January 5, 2012] in circuit court” for offenses against children in the same foster home.

“Brittany Ison faced 20 years in prison after she was indicted [at age 18] in June [2011] on three counts of first-degree rape of a 10-year-old, first-degree sodomy of a 10-year-old, and first-degree sexual abuse of an 11-year-old, which all are felonies. She also was indicted on a charge of sexual misconduct with a 13-year-old, a misdemeanor.

Ison pleaded guilty in October to reduced charges, three counts of counts of first-degree sexual abuse of a victim under 12 years of age and sexual misconduct. The state recommended a seven-year sentence.

Ison was sentenced to seven years on each of the felony counts and one year for the misdemeanor, but all of her sentences will be served concurrently.

Commonwealth’s Attorney Jennifer Smith said the sentence was appropriate because Ison was a juvenile when the offenses occurred, and the age of the victims would make a trial emotionally difficult.

Ison must register as a sex offender for 20 years. She also was ordered to undergo sex-offender treatment while in prison.

Clouse also ordered a portion of Ison’s court records be sealed because it contained information about her juvenile record.

Ison was arrested after an investigation by the Berea Police Department. Smith said Ison sexually abused the children while she was living in a foster home.”

Woman gets 7 years for child sex abuse
[The Richmond Register 1/8/12 by Sarah Hogsed]

REFORM Puzzle Piece

Another case where there are questions about whether the foster parents were made aware of Brittany’s issues, whether there was access to services and what role social services monitoring had in this situation.

Will DCFS have any accountability for this placement? Will they provide the needed care for the victims?