How Could You? Hall of Shame-Joseph and Lisa Bell

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.

A 2025 case has been revealed.

From Hastings, Nebraska, foster parents Joseph Bell,54, and Lisa Bell,45, “face child abuse charges involving children under foster care with a court record releasing horrific details of what happened.

On February 3rd, the Hastings Police Department were made aware of a potential child abuse situation in the … of North Lincoln Avenue in Hastings leading to an investigation and the charges of Joseph and Lisa Bell with a judge saying in a court order that the Bells were allegedly using abusive disciplinary tactics which included hours of isolation and locked doors, which required the child to urinate and defecate in a bedroom with the affidavit also saying the minor is a girl who is severely disabled.

Hastings police says there were seven children living at the residence ranging from 8 to 17 years old with some of the children being biological to Lisa and Joseph and some under foster care.

According to a press release from the Hastings PD the investigation established probable cause one or more of the children were being abused in the home – leading to an arrest.

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services declined to speak Monday, but said in a statement that foster parents are required to submit a background check prior to being a foster parent. Monthly check-ins are required for foster parents to ensure the safety of the foster children.

Two foster parents charged with child abuse, child defecating and urinating in bedroom

[Nebraska tv 2/10/25 by Gary Robinson, Jr.]

“Joseph Bell, 54, and Lisa Bell, 45, are both charged with three counts of felony child abuse. Joseph Bell is also charged with tampering with evidence.

At a hearing Tuesday, a judge transferred their cases to Adams County District Court for possible trial after finding probable cause for both suspects.

A district court arraignment hearing is scheduled June 3. At arraignment, a suspect typically pleads guilty or not guilty to the charges faced.

Hastings police arrested the Bells Feb. 4, one day after the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services reported potential child abuse and neglect at their home.

Hastings Police said detectives found poor living conditions and physical abuse in a home with seven children ranging in age from 8 to 17. The couple also served as foster parents.

Court records indicate at least one child in the home was abused between Aug. 4, 2024, and Feb. 4, 2025.

Arrest affidavits with further details of the case were sealed by the court.

A conviction on a single count of felony child abuse carries a maximum penalty of three years in prison, 18 months probation and a $10,000 fine.”
Hastings couple charged with child abuse headed to trial court
[[KSN 5/20/25 by Mark Baumert]

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