3 June:About 400 children, belonging to a polygamous sect, trapped in a largest child custody case in the US history, are on way to their homes after a judge ordered state authorities to return them to their parents.
Authorities raided the compound of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints at a west Texas ranch near Houston in April, after what they said was a tip about potential child abuse.
State District Judge Barbara Walther ruled that Child Protective Services (CPS) should begin handing over the youngsters immediately, after the Texas Supreme Court decided their seizure was unwarranted.
However, the children’s guardians will be subject to strict conditions barring them from leaving the state, and forcing them to take parenting classes and cooperate with the investigation into the sect.
According to the officials in Houston, girls living on the Yearning for Zion ranch were being "groomed" to accept sex with their middle-aged "spiritual husbands" as soon as they hit puberty.
The sect’s members deny any abuse.
In the words of order, "the court has an obligation to ensure that children and their parents are reunited with all deliberate speed while ensuring the safety and well-being of the children."
Parents had to complete paperwork at the facility before they were allowed to take their children home.Courtsey: DD NEWS