From Deseret News archives:

Chairman says Texas CPS workers mistreated FLDS

Published: Tuesday, May 13, 2008 4:28 p.m. MDT
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• "On the last day of my stay at the coliseum (April 24), the mothers had been removed ... The children had cried bitterly on the removal of the mothers, and they were now with strangers. ... Children were grabbing toys from others and using the toys as play weapons against each other and their 'captors.' In my estimation they were acting out their fear and anger. One little boy of about 4 was frantically running from the CPS workers, avoiding capture in every way he could. Once caught, I held him firmly in my arms while he wept that he didn't want them to take his mother."

• "I did see some wonderful interactions with CPS and some of the children, as they read stories and played games. ... I also saw a woman I know personally (who) had been a prison principal now employed with CPS. She seemed to have retained an attitude that these people were inmates!"

• "CPS had as their primary focus the sexual abuse that was alleged, rather than the emotional abuse I felt they were creating."

• "CPS showed a disregard and disrespect for the mothers' culture in various ways. ... Tight, revealing clothes were worn daily by many of those in the pavilion, and bare arms, feet, and legs were standard, even though FLDS custom is to stay covered except for hands and face."

• "On the Thursday morning, April 24, I witnessed a young mother named Rosinith be required by CPS to board the bus back to the ranch, though her young child was in the hospital with 104 degree fever and even though the child's physician had personally requested the mother's presence at the hospital. This event haunts me still, and I cannot imagine such a heartless act."

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• "I do not believe in polygamy and I see that as a proof that the men in this sect see women as property. ... However, I also know the research on long-term consequences of removing children from loving parents. I do not believe that the emotional abuse of all 460+ children must be weighed in the equation."

• "It was frightening to watch women and children being herded and separated like cattle with no regard for human rights or the needs of the group or individuals. ... If this had happened in another country, our government would have tried to prevent it! Old films of concentration camps came to mind."

• "These lovely women and children were gracious and kind always. They tried to cooperate with every request, even when terrified that they were going to be separated from their children. The mothers are incredibly loving and patient with the children."

Recent comments

Cps is totally corrupt! Period!! There must be Due Process when you...

Anonymous | June 4, 2009 at 11:02 a.m.

How shall we start a coalition to abolish the Child exPloitation...

Anonymous | Jan. 20, 2009 at 4:34 p.m.

. . . the kool-aid with FLDS trolls, remember what this article was...

Before we drink | Jan. 13, 2009 at 7:16 a.m.

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