A couple accused of abusing their 11 adopted special-needs kids by making them sleep in cages took time to defend their actions but say they're willing to give up the cages in order to get their children back.

Michael and Sharen Gravelle say they will be more lenient and send the once home-schooled children to public school. The kids now have a string of health and behavioral problems.

A judge ruled Dec. 22 that making the children sleep in wooden cages without pillows or mattresses was abusive. The judge also ruled the children, ranging in age from 1 to 15, be kept in foster care.

The Gravelles were quick to defend their methods, stating the enclosures were necessary to keep the children from harming themselves and each other.

The children's behavioral problems include fetal alcohol syndrome and a disorder which provokes eating dirt.