How Could You? Hall of Shame-Kelly Skillings

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 Ely, Minnesota, foster parent Kelly Skillings had her foster care license revoked on June 18, 2012.

“A certified letter sent to Skillings on June 15 said Lake County Human Services had “determined that you were aware of recurring physical abuse of foster children by an individual in your home. You failed to provide the foster children’s basic need for safety when you did not notify the agency and the placing workers for the foster children of the recurring physical abuse in your home.”

The report didn’t specify the nature of the alleged abuse. Skillings couldn’t be reached for comment. Calls to Lake County Human Services weren’t returned.

The certified letter said the county notified her on Oct. 19 that she was found responsible for serious maltreatment (neglect) of children. She requested reconsideration, and on Jan. 19 the agency affirmed the determination. She did not request a hearing.

Skillings and her husband, Charles Skillings, originally were licensed to provide child foster care on Feb. 15, 2003. The license allowed them to provide care for three children.

Charles Skillings died on July 9 of last year when he fell from a canoe while fishing in Grass Lake near Isabella, according to news reports.

The Skillings were licensed through Duluth-based Northwood Children’s Services. Richard Wolleat, president and CEO of the agency, said the children in the Skillings’ care were placed in other homes during the investigation.

“They’re doing really well,” Wolleat said of the children involved. “We found appropriate homes for them.”

 

Iron Range couple surrenders foster care license after child finds gun in vehicle

[Duluth News Tribune 7/6/12 by John Lundy]

The revocation letter can be viewed here.

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