Neglect case of disabled teen reaches $5 million settlement

SEATTLE – A judge has approved a $5.5 million settlement in a case against the state for the neglect and abuse of a disabled teen.

KOMO-TV reports the Department of Social and Health Services was accused of failing to remove Heather Curtis from her caretakers in North Bend after receiving several reports of neglect.

Curtis, who is blind and has cerebral palsy, was taken from April and Jeff Henderson’s home in 2012. At the time, Curtis was 19 years old and weighed only 68 pounds.

The couple eventually pleaded guilty to criminal mistreatment and served nine months of home detention.

During the 10 years Curtis lived with the Hendersons, the state opened at least two neglect investigations but determined the reports were unfounded.

The department said it has revised its policies to address similar situations.