Judge signs order releasing FLDS children
By Ben Winslow
Deseret News
A judge has signed an order to release dozens of children taken in a raid on the http://www.wvwnews.net/story.php?id=4277’s YFZ ranch.
“We gave her an order and we’re pleased she signed an order,” said Julie Balovich, a lawyer for the Texas RioGrande Legal Aid Society which represents 48 mothers who challenged the decision to place their children in foster care. The order allows children to be released as early as today.
The order requires parenting classes, cooperation in an ongoing child abuse investigation including home visits and interviews between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
The order also requires all children involved in the custody case to remain in Texas unless they get prior approval from the court. Parents can pick up their children from foster care facilities but must sign affidavits and be photographed.”We’re really grateful to have this order signed,” said FLDS member Willie Jessop as he left the courthouse. He said logistics were still being worked out about returning the children to their parents and asked for privacy during the reunion. Most shelters are not prepared for what will happen next he said.
“We are grateful that the court at least allowed mothers and children to come back,” Jessop said. “We wished it was a better order, but hey, it gets the children and the mothers back and we’ll take it.”
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