Ohio County Requests Assistance for 16 Siblings in Crisis

WHO:

AP News - The 16 siblings are part of the Siders family, which includes Gary Siders Sr. (73), Christina Siders (67), Gary Siders Jr. (36), and Elizabeth Siders (33).

AP News - Vinton County Prosecutor William Archer Jr. is involved in the case.

AP News - Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson and Assistant Attorney General Kara Keating are among the special prosecutors appointed to the case.

WHAT:

AP News - The siblings were discovered living in squalid conditions at a rural Ohio home.

AP News - The county is seeking $1 million from the state to assist with the care of the children.

AP News - The Siders children range in age from 18 months to 18 years, with some described as “feral” and unable to speak.

AP News - The state Department of Children and Youth estimates placement costs for the siblings will run between $150 and $250 per child per day, totaling approximately $850,000 a year.

WHERE:

AP News - The events are taking place in Vinton County, Ohio, which is described as the smallest and one of the poorest counties in the state.

WHEN:

AP News - A state legislative panel is expected to approve the $1 million request on Monday.

AP News - The eldest sibling was born in May 2008.

WHY:

AP News - The county is experiencing a child welfare crisis due to the large number of siblings requiring care and the financial strain on local resources.

AP News - The release of Gary Siders Sr. from jail was necessary to avoid bankrupting Vinton County due to his medical care costs.

HOW:

AP News - The court adjusted Gary Siders Sr.'s bond to allow for his release on his own recognizance for medical care.

AP News - Three special prosecutors were appointed to assist with the case without compensation, meaning their offices will cover their own costs.

(UPDATED July 11, 2026 07:39 UTC)

In a troubling case from Vinton County, Ohio, 16 siblings from the Siders family were found living in squalid conditions, prompting the county to seek $1 million from the state to help with their care. The children, ranging in age from 18 months to 18 years, are described as “feral” and some are unable to speak, leading to estimated placement costs of up to $850,000 a year. A state legislative panel is expected to approve the funding request on Monday, as the county grapples with a child welfare crisis and the release of Gary Siders Sr. was necessary to avoid financial strain on local resources.