How Could You? Hall of Shame-15-Year-Old Boy and 14-Year-Old Boy cases

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 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, a “15-year-old boy has been arrested and charged with raping his roommate at a group home, making it the second alleged assault at a youth care facility owned by the same company in less than 30 days.

According to court documents, the victim told police that the 15-year-old boy forced him off his bed before assaulting him at a Specks Home for Boys on Miramer Boulevard in Oklahoma City. Less than a month later, a similar incident happened at the Specks Home for Boys near Northeast 14th Street, where police said 18-year-old Justin Mefford was charged with raping a 14-year-old.

The Department of Human Services, which contracts Specks Homes, has launched an investigation. Officials told KOCO 5 that they will make weekly visits to the facilities to talk with teenagers and staff, observe day-to-day functions and come up with an immediate safety plan.

“The safety of youth placed into our care is at the center of everything DHS does,” DHS officials said. “When youth must be placed into contracted residential care programs to meet their needs and address their past trauma, those programs are held to very strict standards, and our staff work closely with them to ensure safe and quality care.”

Officials working at the two group homes did not want to comment on the investigation.”

DHS investigates sexual assault of two teens at metro group homes

[Koco 8/7/19 by Porsha Riley]

REFORM Puzzle Piece