A foster parent who provided therapeutic services to children faces criminal charges of abuse that authorities say stretches back more than a decade.
Tulsa County prosecutors have charged Kimberly Ann Haley, 60, of Sand Springs Oklahoma, with four counts of child abuse, according to News on 6.
"They had to sleep on the floor, naked with no blankets as punishment, they weren't allowed to have food. Food was locked up in the refrigerator with a padlock on it. Cabinets were the same way," Sheriff's Det. Paul Holland told the TV station.
The investigation began in June 2023 after five children spoke with Oklahoma's Department of Human Services.
The state worker who raised concerns said that Haley would have the children use a bucket instead of a toilet, force them to do chores, slap them, and step on their hands, Fox23 reported.
Fox23 reported that some of the parents of children in Haley's care have said that they were paying her under the table, with two clients telling authorities that they paid her between $750 and $2,000 a month.
Haley also is accused of misrepresenting her credentials. Fox23 reported that Haley had said she had expertise in working with children with Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD). However, she had no licensing or training to handle children with RAD.
"The allegations presented in this case are truly hard to read. Oklahoma Human Services is committed to working with law enforcement and others in this case to ensure the safety of the children involved," a statement from Oklahoma Human Services reads. "Children with physical, emotional, and mental health needs require highly specialized, intensive care. Any parent or guardian should always be tremendously cautious when considering a place of treatment and should thoroughly research anyone or any place that is going to provide therapeutic care for their child."
