Sherry Anne McKinney, the foster parent who has cared for three of the children since Nov. 20, 2024, told the Lenawee County Probate & Juvenile Court that the children arrived "in the worst shape," with basic hygiene, feeding and developmental delays and behaviors she described as consistent with prolonged neglect.

"He was used to the tent life," McKinney said of the oldest of her three charges when they first arrived. She described children who did not know how to use utensils, who hoarded food and required teaching basic skills such as using a crayon and toileting. McKinney said the oldest displayed aggressive behaviors and required separation for the safety of the middle child.

Since placement, McKinney said, the children have begun school regularly, receive speech and other services, have up-to-date medical and dental care, and are "thriving" in a stable routine. She told the court she and her partner would be willing to provide permanency through adoption if the court proceeds down that route and asked for personal protections from the respondent based on prior threatening conduct.

Her testimony was offered in support of the department’s recommendation and cited by counsel and the guardian ad litem in asking the court to terminate the father’s parental rights.