How Could You? Hall of Shame-Richard Isenberg

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 Phoenix, Arizona, Domonique and Carolyn Stone”4-year-old  daughter told them that she was being touched inappropriately by the adult son of her foster mom.

“My heart sank; it was devastating,” Carolyn said.

The Stones said they immediately took all three of their kids out of the home and to the hospital to get checked out.

The police were called [in late August,2015] and forensic examination was conducted. Police arrested 18-year-old Richard Isenberg and booked him for multiple counts of sex acts with a minor. Court records show that during an interview with investigators, Isenberg admitted to the acts dating a back to February.

“It was heartbreaking,” Domonique said. “I never dealt with something like this and didn’t know how. I really didn’t. And it hurt.”

The Stones said they were aware that the case worker responsible for checking on their kids in the foster home visited once a month.

“Had the case manager took (sic) the time with my children off away from the surroundings of fear, I know for a fact my children would have said something,” Carolyn said.

A spokesman for DCS did confirm that talking with the kids alone in a safe place is part of the requirements of a case worker but would not say whether or not that happened in this case. DCS released this statement:

“Nothing is more important than a child’s safety and that’s certainly true in this matter. Confidentiality laws limit what we can say about allegations in an open case, but cases are reviewed to make sure policies and procedures have been followed.”

The Stones do not blame DCS. In fact, they are grateful that a few years back the agency gave them a rude awakening by taking their kids.

“My wife and I had some problems and they offered us services and we have come a long way and I am a better man for it and she is a better woman and we’re better parents,” Domonique said.

But the Stones do blame their particular case worker. They do not believe he did his job.

“They dropped the ball on this and it should not have happened. It should not have been allowed to occur,” Domonique said.

“I want for DCS to be doing their job. I want for not one more child to go through this,” Carolyn said. ”

Couple accuse case worker of missing abuse by foster brother

[Kpho 9/2/15]

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