For example, when interviewing children about possible sex abuse, social workers often read from forms that use blunt sexual language. "They (FLDS) use different words for (relationships) that are sacred-based."

Price also said that if women and children are fasting, that doesn't mean it's a form of protest; rather, it is a religious experience for them. Why long dresses on the women and long sleeves on the boys? "The dress comes from the standpoint that your body is a sacred temple," Price said.

She also instructed welfare workers not to look while members wash their sacred garments. "They're not meant for your eyes," Price told them.

She said state officials were very receptive and appreciative of the suggestions.

By taking the children off the ranch and into state custody, Price said that will still certainly reinforce the FLDS belief that "any gentile is bad" and of any prophecy about their faith being persecuted by the government. Government officials did enter their sacred temple, took their children, entered their homes and more.

"They did all that, but they did it respectfully," she said. "The experience will still taint them, but it will be a different color."

---

E-mail: bwest@desnews.com