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Trial Judge Orders FLDS Children Released, Subject to Restrictions

By Howard M. Friedman

In San Angelo, Texas, Judge Barbara Walther signed an order this morning allowing mothers of around 450 FLDS children to take the children back from shelters across the state at which they were being held in state custody. Today's San Angelo Standard-Times reports that the order places substantial restrictions on the parents and children while the Department of Family and Protective Services carries out an investigation of alleged sexual abuse on the YFZ Ranch. The order prohibits the children from leaving the state, requires parents to keep DFPS informed of their address and permits state officials to make unannounced visits any day between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. The court also granted an emergency stay of its order as to a 16-year old girl who is the daughter of FLDS leader Warren Jeffs. A separate arrangement with tighter restrictions is being negotiated in her case.

Full post as published by Religion Clause on June 02, 2008 (boomark / email).