Foster parent charged with sex acts with a child

Foster parent charged with sex acts with a child

February 23, 2010 4:34 PM
Diane Turbyfill
LINCOLNTON — A foster parent in Lincoln County has been charged with sex acts against a child.

George Michael Steen, 38, of North Cedar Street, was charged Friday with two counts of first-degree sex offense with a child and one count of sex offense with a child.

The boy was 8 at the time of the sexual assaults, according to Detective Matt Painter with Lincolnton Police.

Steen could face a life sentence if convicted as charged.

The incidents took place between December 2007 and February 2009 at Steen’s Lincolnton home, according to a press release from Lincolnton Police.

Steen and his wife were licensed foster parents from 2005 to 2009, according to the Lincoln County Department of Social Services. Officials would not say how many children were cared for in the Steen home during that time.

The Steens haven’t fostered children for about a year, according to Painter.

The boy reported the sexual encounters while in foster care at another facility, Painter said.

Potential foster parents go through an extensive screening process, according to Sandy Kennedy, program manager for foster care an adoption with Lincoln County DSS.

Applicants go through drug screenings, reference and background checks, mental evaluations and training.

Allegations of abuse are always taken seriously, said Kennedy.

“Anytime an allegation comes up against a foster parent, we look at all the children who have been in the home, regardless of criminal charges,” said Kennedy. “This is truly unfortunate and we are doing everything we can to protect our children and to give this particular child all the help he needs in overcoming this.”

Steen was still in jail Tuesday afternoon on a $170,000 secured bond. His next day in court is set for March 10.

You can reach Diane Turbyfill at 704-869-1817.

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