Genies parents were charged with abuse. The parents were Dorothy Irene Wiley(mother) and Clark Wiley(father). Clark had committed suicide the day before court and left a note that said "the world will never know". "Susan Curtiss, a linguistics graduate student gave her the name "Genie." "When we think about a genie, we think about a creature who emerges out of a bottle, or whatever, into society past childhood," she said." Her real name was kept for identity.
Genie was found by a social worker in 1970. Genie was born April 18, 1957 in Arcadia, CA. Genie was not the only child, she also had an older brother but was not beat. After genie was found, she was taken to a Children's Hospital in Los Angeles. When researchers ran diagnostic tests on her, Shirley thought she experienced brain damage at birth. Genie had her first 14th birthday at Children's hospital. Later on, genie went to live with Butler, her re habitation team thought a stable home would help. Genie developed a passion for hoarding items like glass and containers. Child service removed Genie from Butler's house, after a few hours back at the hospital she was placed with new foster parents. Her foster parents taught her how to express anger outward, how to scream and have a fit. Genies rehabilitation continued , she could read and start to attend nursery school. Unfortunately the national institute of mental health, revoked funding for genie treatment and research in fall of 1974. Because of the blurred lines between foster family and research team, no one could produce well-kept records or steadfast findings. Genies mother even sued the team and hospital for excessive testing. Genie returned to live with her mother, acquitted of all charges. But her mother soon found taking care if genie to difficult. Genie made the rounds to Forster home after foster home were she experienced abuse and harassment. One set of foster parents beat genie severely. Genie was afraid to open her mouth and regressed back to silent.