BREAKING: OHIO “HOUSE OF HORRORS” CASE TAKES A MAJOR NEW TURN — NOW THE STATE IS INVESTIGATING WHAT HAPPENED BEFORE THE 16 CHILDREN WERE RESCUED.

The shocking Ohio case involving 16 children found living in horrific conditions has now triggered a new investigation into the child-welfare system itself.

Ohio state leaders have ordered a review of how the case was handled.

The 16 children were rescued from a home in Hamden on June 30 after investigators executing a search warrant discovered them living in what authorities described as deplorable conditions.

Some were reportedly found in serious medical distress.

Seven children required hospital care, and investigators said the children had been largely isolated from the outside world.

But now, another question is demanding answers:

COULD THIS HAVE BEEN DISCOVERED SOONER?

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has directed the Department of Children and Youth to review the case and determine whether local child-services officials followed state and federal requirements — and whether changes are needed.

Meanwhile, the criminal case against the adults accused of endangering the children has continued to expand.

Four family members — Gary Siders Jr., Elizabeth Siders, Gary Siders Sr. and Christina Siders — have been indicted on a combined 54 counts of child endangerment, with prosecutors alleging serious physical harm to the children.

And that’s not all.

Gary Siders Jr. and Elizabeth Siders have also been indicted on separate felony charges involving alleged 𝘴єxual conduct with a minor. Authorities say that investigation is separate from the child-endangerment case and does not involve one of their own children.

The defendants are accused — not convicted — and the criminal proceedings remain ongoing.

But for the 16 children, the legal headlines are only part of the story.

They were removed from the home.

They are now in state custody.

And the state is being asked to examine not only what happened inside that house — but whether warning signs were missed before authorities finally arrived.

16 children. Years of alleged isolation. One search warrant that exposed everything.

Now investigators are asking a question that could have consequences far beyond one family:

WHO KNEW — AND WHEN?

The Ohio “House of Horrors” case isn’t over.

In many ways, the investigation may only be getting started.