How Could You? Hall of Shame-Kelly and Steven Selby

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 East Berlin, Pennsylvania, foster parents Kelly and Steven Selby “arrested after they were accused of abusing a child for multiple years in Adams County.

Kelly Selby, 50, and Steven Selby, 64, both of East Berlin, are accused of physically and mentally abusing a 13-year-old boy, according to the State Police in Gettysburg.

“The arrestees endangered the welfare of the victim by violating a duty of care, protection, or support,” State Police said.

According to the criminal complaint, the parents would abuse the boy by hitting his hands with a wooden spoon, beating him, not giving him meals, and even forced him to put on a dress that a previous foster child used to wear in order to make fun of him.

The boy’s bed was also taken away from him for two weeks and he had to “earn” the bedding items back, Troopers said.

When the parents were interviewed, State Police said that they did admit that they were physical towards the boy but not abusive. They claimed that they were raised in a different time period and that thought their punishment was justified, the complaint states.

They face charges that include a felony count of endangering the welfare of a child, and a misdemeanor count of simple assault, online court dockets show. They also face a summary count of harassment.

The duo were arrested on Feb. 16 and are currently in Adams County Prison with both of their bails set at $10,000 each.”

PSP: Foster parents in Adams County accused of abusing child for years
[ABC 27 2/22/24 by Jared Weaver]

REFORM Puzzle Piece