State Suspends Couple’s Foster Care License

State officials temporarily suspended the foster care license of a Lancaster couple Thursday after they were accused of child abuse for the second time in less than a year.

The suspension order prohibits Margaret and John Crow from caring for foster children while the state conducts an investigation, said Mark Ginsberg, attorney for the state Department of Social Services.

According to documents filed by the state, a 15-year-old girl adopted by the couple claims that between Feb. 1 and 6, Margaret Crow spit in her face, told her she was not wanted and that she “could be a bag lady.” The girl was also deprived of dinner as punishment.

The state already is investigating complaints made by four foster children in April. The four, whose ages were not available, told authorities that between January, 1988, and August, 1990, the Crows struck them on the “face, head, bare buttocks and penis with hands and other objects including but not limited to paddles, fly swatters and a guitar.”

Those children were removed from the Crows’ house in the 2700 block of West Avenue K-1, Ginsberg said.

“Children are put into foster care for their safety, certainly not to be abused,” said Fred Miller, head of the Department of Social Services’ licensing program. “We pulled the Crows’ license as soon as possible.”

The couple has 15 days to respond to the state’s allegations after which a hearing will be held, Ginsberg said.

The Crows could not be reached for comment Thursday.