CLEVELAND -- The Gravelles maintain that putting their children in "enclosures" was in the children's best interests.

In their recently released statement, the Gravelles claim a licensed social worker had been working with the children every week and approved the enclosures. That social worker is now out of the country, WEWS reported.

A local clinical psychologist doesn't agree with putting children in "enclosures."

"I can't imagine any circumstances where caging a child would be therapeutic, would be beneficial, would be appropriate,” said Ellen Casper, a clinical psychologist.

Casper said it’s not unusual for 11 children to be placed in one home. She also added that there are success stories.

She said that housing in a cage-like enclosure, however, has no benefits and has likely caused long-term emotional problems for the children.

“The psychological effects and consequences could be very severe and might take years to overcome,” Casper said.

Many people wonder how the cage-like living conditions could have gone on for three years.