The family routinely received staples from a local food bank, but the McGuckins refused help from social service agencies and the children were kept from school. The McGuckins lived without heat, electricity and telephone service because they had no money to pay bills. The oldest of the eight children lives in California and has had little contact with his family. This is north Idaho. It's a way of life here.
People are individualists.
Five children who surrendered after a five-day impasse with sheriff's deputies at their isolated home will stay with a family friend until a judge decides what will next happen to the family, authorities said Sunday. The children had holed up in the house Tuesday after their mother was arrested on a felony child neglect charge. Sheriff's deputies waited them out until Saturday because they were believed to be armed and suspicious of authorities. The children were hospitalized and reported in good condition Saturday. A hearing was expected on Monday to determine where the children will stay for the next 30 days, Robinson said.