The neighbors saw something was wrong and kept sounding the alarm.

Now West Virginia is paying $4.4 MILLION to five Black children over allegations that Child Protective Services failed to properly respond before authorities uncovered horrific abuse at the hands of their adoptive parents.

Jeanne Kay Whitefeather and Donald Lantz were convicted after investigators found evidence that the children had been subjected to forced labor, confinement and deplorable living conditions.

Authorities discovered children locked inside a shed in 2023.

The criminal case included evidence supporting allegations that the children were treated “like slaves” and subjected to racial abuse.

Whitefeather is now serving 215 years in prison.

Lantz was sentenced to 160 years.

But neighbors had reportedly contacted CPS before authorities finally rescued the children.

Their attorney says there were numerous calls and criticized how the agency handled its response, including an interview with the children that allegedly took place within earshot of their adoptive parents.

A judge has now approved a $4.4 million settlement with the state.

The five children are living with new families, and the settlement money will be placed toward helping them recover and move forward.