Watertown — A Connecticut couple charged with abusing their five adopted children by making them stand and read in the bathroom for long periods of time had passed background checks before they were cleared by state child welfare officials to adopt.

George and Nancie Barnes, of Watertown, rushed from the courthouse without speaking after their arraignment Friday on charges of cruelty to persons, second-degree unlawful restraint, and risk of injury to a minor. They were ordered to have no contact with the children, who range in age from 9 to 18.

They applied for a public defender. They are due back in court Feb. 24.

Authorities say the children were made to stand in the bathroom for weeks at a time, allowed out to sleep and go to school.