EspañolTina Marie Sheffield Key, Kenneth Michael Key, and Kaitlynn Marresa Key Accused of Engaging in Years of Abuse Against Multiple Foster Children in Victorville
VICTORVILLE, CALIFORNIA (September 2, 2025) – A Victorville couple identified as Kenneth Key and Tina Key and their adult daughter Kaitlynn Key were charged with child abuse and torture related to their care of foster children.
San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department officials are saying that the abuse occurred over many years. They described the abuse as physical, emotional, and mental.
Kenneth Key, Tina Key, and Kaitlynn Key were arraigned on May 15. All three were booked at the Central Detention Center. Prosecutors allege that the six victims were subjected to daily beatings and even strangulation to the point of unconsciousness.
The children in their care were also allegedly denied food and water for days. A full investigation into all of the allegations remains ongoing.
Anyone with more information is encouraged to call the We-Tip Hotline.
Liability for San Bernardino County Foster Abuse
There could be several sources of liability for any instance where foster children are abused by their caretakers. Of course, each individual abuser could be held accountable through a criminal and civil claim. Moreover, a foster oversight system like a county or state child protective services could also be liable. These agencies have a legal obligation to protect children from reasonably foreseeable sources of harm. They must administer oversight to prevent children from being placed with abusive foster parents.
- Rigorous Screening: Foster agencies should run extensive background checks on any person or couple who is attempting to foster children.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Foster agencies should conduct regular unannounced home visits. Children should be interviewed separately from foster parents.
- Training and Education: Foster agencies should train their workers to identify signs of abuse and neglect.
- Reporting: All reports of abuse and misconduct should be thoroughly investigated.
Abuse in the foster system is often highly preventable. By the time any foster parents are arrested and charged with abuse, there were often numerous red flags that were missed. Adequate screening and ongoing monitoring are essential for protecting children from abuse. But far too often, foster agencies fail to take even the basic actions that are needed to detect abuse that is taking place.
Steps to Take After Foster Abuse in San Bernardino County
Abuse within the foster care system remains alarmingly common. According to Statista, “In 2023, around 16,438 children in California who were the victims of child abuse were in foster care, the most out of any state. Florida, Texas, Arizona, and Illinois rounded out the five leading states for children in foster care in that year.” It is important that certain actions are taken after any instance of abuse in a foster care setting.
- Police Investigation: The police should be alerted to the situation, and the children who are involved should be removed and placed in a location where they will be safe.
- Evidence Preservation: All evidence related to the abuse should be properly preserved. This includes medical records that detail what may have happened.
- Independent Investigation: The actions of the foster care agency involved should be thoroughly scrutinized. In particular, any reports against the foster parents should be carefully reviewed.
- Legal Support: Victims of foster care abuse should seek the guidance of an experienced personal injury attorney.
Abuse is one of the most destructive and harmful things that most children will ever go through. Even if the physical damage associated with the abuse heals quickly, victims can be left with a lifetime of psychological trauma. This can manifest through anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. It is important that victims of abuse understand their legal options. Any person injured while in the custody of foster care may be able to pursue damages through a civil claim.
Investigating San Bernardino County Foster Care Abuse
We at the Carrillo Law Firm were deeply concerned to hear about these allegations of torture and abuse involving Kenneth Key, Tina Key and their adult daughter Kaitlynn Key. There needs to be a thorough investigation into all of the allegations that have been made. Any person that may have more information should reach out to the police. It is our sincere hope that safeguards are put in place to make foster care safer for all children throughout California.
Have you or someone that you care about been the victim of foster care abuse in California? You may have legal recourse. Our team of personal injury attorneys is here for you. We care deeply that abuse victims are aware of their rights and that negligent foster systems are held fully accountable for what they’ve done. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here to serve your needs. You can reach out to us anytime at 626-799-9375.
