Susan Curtiss, a University of California, Los Angeles, linguistics professor who worked closely with other abused children, said the Turpins needed unconditional love and support and to be kept together.
They are emerging from their own horrible world to a world they know nothing about. One thing they do know is each other. Thats the only constant other than their own parents.
Curtiss recommended a small team of carers. The same one or two people should be there all day every day, touching them softly, a loving, gentle presence ... to lead them into society.
[...]
Nora Baladerian, an LA-based clinical psychologist and licensed counsellor, said those responsible for the Turpins would have to choose between different treatment options.
They may not have any idea of what normal is. They may not know that one does not normally live chained. Its going to be a huge, long term adjustment just in daily living.
Baladerian advised keeping the siblings together and exposing them to positive experiences such as scenic nature and beautiful music. They have to heal from the separation of their parents and the knowledge of what their parents did to them. They need to acquire self-esteem and skills for future life. If they live in the memory of their suffering rather than hopes and dreams for the future, they wont do so well.
[...]
John Fairbank, co-director of the National Center for Child Traumatic Stress, said carers would need to carefully assess the relationships between the siblings. Some may have served as surrogate parents, some may have bonded in critical pairings, and some may have aggressed on each other.
He also leaned towards keeping all 13 together or near each other. Worry, guilt, and fears may be exacerbated with the not knowing and not seeing their siblings. Given their reported experiences, there is little reason for these children to trust an adult who tells them their siblings are all OK.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/jan/19/california-turpin-13-children-rescued-future
