Turpin children ‘full of joy’ after being freed from captivity, lawyer says

Children from the Turpin family are enjoying their first taste of happiness after being freed from captivity, their lawyer said in an interview on Monday.

The 13 children, who were allegedly held captive by their parents David and Louise Turpin inside a California home, are now out of the hospital.

READ MORE: What we know about the California couple who allegedly held 13 children captive

Their lawyer, Jack Osborn, spoke to ABC News Monday, saying seven of 13 siblings who are adults are living at a rural home. The underage siblings are in foster care.

The children, who were found malnourished and shackled in what was described as a “house of horrors,” were treated in hospital after being rescued by authorities in January.

WATCH: California officials describe state of captive children as a case of ‘human depravity’

1:32 California officials describe state of captive children as a case of ‘human depravity’

At the time, Riverside County district attorney Mike Hestrin told media that the children weren’t allowed basic amenities such as fresh food.

“They were not allowed to have toys, but there were many toys in the house, in original packaging, unopened,” Hestrin said. “The parents would buy food, including pies, leave it on the counter and not let them eat the food.”

Now, Osborn says they’re experiencing these comforts for the first time and are “full of joy about their life.” He told ABC News that they now have their own bedding and closet space.

READ MORE: 2 healthy, trained dogs found in California home where kids were tortured, starved, authorities say

They’re also trying new foods, and recently made ice-cream sundaes.

“They pretty much love any food that is fresh. They love fruit, pasta and soup,” he added.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "They pretty much love any food that is fresh. They love fruit, pasta and soup," he added.

Obsorn said that as the siblings begin their new lives, they don’t want to be seen as victims.

WATCH: Sister of Louise Anna Turpin fights back tears as she addresses her sister

0:57 Sister of Louise Anna Turpin fights back tears as she addresses her sister – and her 13 children

“They want to do things for themselves and they want to start having independent lives where they’re responsible for themselves,” the lawyer said.

While all 13 siblings aren’t able to live together for now, a source involved with the case told CNN that they are constantly in touch.

READ MORE: California siblings held captive taunted with food, allowed to shower only once a year, officials say

“The children all talk regularly via Skype. They are all happy to be in another place,” the unidentified source said.

Their parents, who are facing more than 40 torture and abuse charges, are currently in jail. They have pleaded not guilty, and have a bail of US$12 million each.