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Texas Moving Sect Kids Into Foster Care

Action taken before notifying lawyers; some bused to group homes

By John Johnson,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 22, 2008 6:16 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Texas authorities began moving children from a polygamist ranch to foster group homes around the state today. More than 100 of the children were bused to facilities, and the remaining 300 or so will likely follow later this week, the Houston Chronicle reports. The move comes on the second day of DNA testing of sect members to unravel family histories.

The children will likely be sent to larger facilities instead of traditional foster families so siblings can stay together, the Chronicle notes. The state began moving the children before notifying their attorneys, one lawyer said. The state wants to take custody of the children, charging that the sect's practice of marrying underage girls puts them at risk.

Members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints leave the county memorial building after submitting to DNA testing in Eldorado, Texas, Tuesday April 22, 2008.
Members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints leave the county memorial building after submitting to DNA testing in Eldorado, Texas, Tuesday April 22, 2008.   (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
A member of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints walks by deputies on her way into the county building in Eldorado, Texas, Tuesday April 22, 2008.
A member of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints walks by deputies on her way into the county building in Eldorado, Texas, Tuesday April 22, 2008.   (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints walk toward the county memorial building where DNA testing was being conducted in Eldorado, Texas, Tuesday April 22, 2008.
Members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints walk toward the county memorial building where DNA testing was being conducted in Eldorado, Texas, Tuesday April 22, 2008.   (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
A member of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints walks by deputies as she leaves the county building where DNA testing was being conducted in Eldorado, Texas, Tuesday, April 22, 2008.
A member of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints walks by deputies as she leaves the county building where DNA testing was being conducted in Eldorado, Texas, Tuesday, April...   (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
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