What Lies Ahead for the Children in Arcadia Case?
Wertynews.com – What lies ahead for the children removed from properties linked to an Arcadia couple is now one of the most urgent questions surrounding California’s surrogacy investigation. Twenty-one young children were taken into state custody as the criminal case proceeds, leaving child welfare officials to consider their safety, care and long-term stability.
Guojun Xuan and Silvia Zhang were arrested on conspiracy and child abuse charges after authorities raided their 10,000-square-foot Arcadia mansion and other properties in July 2025. The couple has pleaded not guilty, and each is being held on $20 million bond.
Allegations Under Review
Prosecutors allege that 16 children lived at the Arcadia home, where 15 were subjected to repeated physical abuse. At least 14 of the children were born through surrogacy arrangements, and most were younger than 4 years old.
Authorities described allegations involving nannies, a room called the “learning center,” and a network of 32 cameras that prosecutors say allowed Xuan and Zhang to monitor activity inside the residence. The allegations have not been proven in court.
“He is being targeted for exercising his constitutional right to have a large family.”
Xuan’s attorney, Mitchell Krems, has said his client is innocent and unfairly singled out. Still, the children’s needs must be addressed separately from the criminal proceedings, including where they can live safely while the case moves forward.
How Child Welfare Placement May Work
What lies ahead for the children may depend on decisions made quickly in California’s child welfare system. Nicol Stolar-Peterson, a clinical social worker and child abuse investigator, said court action is required within 72 hours after an initial removal.
In Los Angeles County, the Department of Children and Family Services generally works to identify appropriate placements. Relatives, extended family members and trusted family connections may be considered first when they are available and suitable. Foster homes or communal care settings can be options when a family placement cannot be arranged.
“We have foster parents, we have relative caregivers, we have others that are available to have this child.”
For children so young, immediate placement is only part of the process. Officials also pursue permanency: a secure, healthy setting where children can grow over time. That work may be more difficult when many children need care, their sibling relationships must be considered and questions remain about parental rights and prospective caregivers.
“We always want to move towards that permanency, them having a permanent place to be and to grow, and to grow in a healthy, safe environment is really, you know, the priority.”
Surrogates Seek Information
The case has also unsettled women who carried children for Xuan and Zhang. A surrogate who gives birth does not automatically become the child’s legal parent or caregiver after the intended parents take custody, which can leave surrogates with limited information when a child is removed.
Vanity McGoveran, who gave birth to a baby girl in March 2024, said she felt relief when she learned of the arrests. She also said she was reluctant to learn details about the child’s life if the news was painful.
“Finally.”
McGoveran said she did not know what happened to the baby after the child went to live with the couple. The lawyer representing the children declined to discuss the case because of privacy concerns.
FAQ: What Lies Ahead for the Children?
What happens immediately after children are removed? California child welfare proceedings typically require prompt court involvement, with officials assessing safety and temporary placement.
Could the children be placed with relatives? Yes. Suitable relatives, extended family members or other trusted family connections may be considered before foster or communal care placements.
Have Xuan and Zhang lost their parental rights? Their parental rights have not been terminated while the investigation continues.
What lies ahead for the children ultimately depends on court decisions and child welfare assessments focused on safe care, stable relationships and a permanent home environment.