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Polygamist Moms Beg Governor for Help

Claim state is 'traumatizing' their kids

By Greg Atwan,  Newser User

Posted Apr 14, 2008 5:25 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Mothers from a polygamist Texas sect are appealing to the governor to investigate the welfare of their children in state custody, AP reports. Three moms sent a letter claiming that several of the 416 kids seized in a raid on their compound because of suspected child abuse have been hospitalized, and that state custody is "traumatizing" them.

"Our innocent children are continually being questioned on things they know nothing about," the letter said. "The physical examinations were horrifying to the children." One member also claims that cell phones were seized as punishment from the children and mothers who voluntarily accompanied them, who are being housed in a fort near the group's sprawling Eldorado ranch. State officials have said the children are safe. Custody hearings begin this week.

A locked gate and a long gravel road lead to the main temple on the YFZ ranch, home of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Eldorao, Texas.
A locked gate and a long gravel road lead to the main temple on the YFZ ranch, home of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Eldorao, Texas.   (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
State agency representatives, rear, are seen as, a female member of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, walks with a child at their temporary housing.
State agency representatives, rear, are seen as, a female member of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, walks with a child at their temporary housing.   (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
A guard is seen at left as members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints walk along a covered porch at their temporary housing.
A guard is seen at left as members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints walk along a covered porch at their temporary housing.   (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Two state agency workers, right, walk along with two members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at Fort Concho National Historic Landmark in San Angelo, Texas.
Two state agency workers, right, walk along with two members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at Fort Concho National Historic Landmark in San Angelo, Texas.   (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
A law enforcement vehicle is seen at rear by a barricade by one of the entrances to Fort Concho National Historic Landmark.
A law enforcement vehicle is seen at rear by a barricade by one of the entrances to Fort Concho National Historic Landmark.   (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
More than 400 children were taken into state custody from a polygamist sect in what authorities described Monday as the largest child-welfare operation in Texas history.
More than 400 children were taken into state custody from a polygamist sect in what authorities described Monday as the largest child-welfare operation in Texas history.   (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
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Group got millions from federal government
MSNBC

Sect called raided compound a 'holy land'
Washington Post

Will Texas keep the kids?
Christian Science Monitor

Attorneys volunteer to represent FLDS children; hearings set for this week
Associated Press

 
child abuse • polygamy • fundamentalism • Mormon • Child Protective Agency • Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

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