Foster Mother of 9 Sues to Keep All

Contending that authorities are trying to take three sisters away from her, a Rowland Heights woman who has nine foster children sued the state, its Department of Social Services and Los Angeles County.

In her Los Angeles Superior Court lawsuit filed Monday, Betty Payne contends that the state sought to remove the three girls because their numbers exceed that of her license and violate state fire safety regulations. Her complaint also names the Los Angeles County fire marshal.

State and county officials could not be reached for comment.

Payne claims she was licensed to care for six children in her seven-bedroom, five-bath home, but that the number requirement is arbitrary and unreasonable. She also contends that there is no other foster home available for the sisters and their placement with her is in their best interests.

According to the complaint, Payne agreed to take the girls after she was told that the county’s MacLaren Children’s Center in El Monte would be their only alternative.

The fire marshal requirements, Payne contends, would require her to spend $25,000 to $30,000 to either put up a new building or an addition to her house.