What's Happening?
Diane Sawyer and ABC News Studios are set to air a special titled 'The Turpins: A New House of Horror – A Diane Sawyer Special Event' on February 3 at 10 p.m. ET. This special will be available for streaming on Disney+ and Hulu the following day. The program
revisits the infamous Turpin case from 2018, where 13 children and adult dependents were rescued from their parents' home in Perris, California. The special will feature interviews with three Turpin siblings who will speak publicly for the first time about their experiences in the foster care system, where they faced further abuse after their parents' imprisonment. The case initially came to light when 17-year-old Jordan Turpin escaped and alerted authorities, leading to the discovery of the children living in squalid conditions. The parents, David and Louise Turpin, were sentenced to life in prison in 2019 for multiple charges, including torture and false imprisonment.
Why It's Important?
The airing of this special is significant as it sheds light on the ongoing issues within the foster care system, where children who have already suffered severe trauma can face further abuse. By bringing attention to the Turpin siblings' experiences, the program may prompt discussions about the need for reform and better oversight in foster care. The case also highlights the resilience of the Turpin children, particularly Jordan Turpin, whose bravery in escaping and contacting authorities led to their rescue. The special could influence public opinion and policy by emphasizing the importance of protecting vulnerable children and ensuring their safety in state care.
What's Next?
Following the broadcast, there may be increased public and governmental scrutiny on the foster care system, potentially leading to calls for policy changes and improved protective measures for children in foster care. Advocacy groups might use the special as a platform to push for reforms and greater accountability. Additionally, the special could inspire further media coverage and investigations into similar cases, keeping the issue in the public eye and maintaining pressure on authorities to act.
