Here's What's Hot On CBS11TV.COM:
Jun 2, 2008 6:34 pm US/Central
FLDS Moms Begin Picking Up Kids From Fort Worth
FORT WORTH (CBS 11 News) ―
Monday night 23 children remained at the Fort Worth Catholic Charities shelter. Earlier in the day the building bustled with activity, as FLDS parents arrived to take custody of their children.
A district judge ruling, signed early Monday morning, returned custody of the children back to FLDS parents. After allegations of abuse were made more than eight weeks ago, the kids were taken from the Yearning for Zion polygamist ranch in Eldorado.
"We are grateful that the court at least allowed the mothers and children to come back," FLDS spokesperson William Jessop said Monday. "We wished it was a better order but hey, it gets the children and the mothers back so we'll take it."
By 4pm three mothers had made their way to Fort Worth Catholic Charities to pick up their children.
"I just love my children so much. And this is the happiest day of my life. It's hard to express," mother Jennetta Jessop said. Jennetta picked up one child in Fort Worth and had four other children at separate shelters throughout the state. The mother told reporters that she's anxious to get all of her children home to the ranch in Eldorado
Monday afternoon several of the FLDS children could be seen in a playground behind a bounce house at the Fort Worth charity.
The arriving mothers were met by CPS workers who helped them process paperwork.
Before picking up their children, the parents will be required to sign a copy of the court order, provide valid identification, take pictures with their children and provide an address where the family will be staying.
State representatives say the court ruling is a positive step forward.
"We're pleased that the order allows us to continue the abuse and neglect investigation. The safety of these children has been our only goal, our utmost priority," said Marissa Gonzales, Texas Child Protective Services.
(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
