Asked specifically about cell phone contact, Meisner said, "For now, these children are here and until a judge decides otherwise ... they are in our care."

Meisner also said she didn't believe there were any children currently in the hospital.

About a dozen children have "what appears to be chicken pox, which they contracted prior to coming into state custody," according to a news brief from the department.

These children and their families were relocated to another building to separate them from the other children. Officials said they believe the children in the shelters have not been immunized, but some may have natural immunity from having contracted chicken-pox in the past.

Mrs. Johnson, a 30-year-old mother of three children ages 7 and younger, also expressed frustration Thursday at not being allowed to see or talk to her children.

"My children were kidnapped for no reason. They are being held hostage," she said. "I didn't know where they were taken and when I finally found out, (the department of family and protective services) won't let me see them. They won't let them talk to me or let me see them."

Mrs. Johnson said she fears her children are getting sick and are frightened at what has occurred. "They need their mother," she said. "I am a good mother and I want to be with my children."

A third woman, 40-year-old Mrs. Barlow, said she also hasn't been able to see or speak to her children, who are 13 and 9 years old.

"My 9-year-old has allergies and he has to be very careful with what he eats and the level of his activities. His throat can swell up," she said.

"I can't believe this is happening. We tried to get some clothes together for our children, but they won't let us see them. We need to get in there and take care of our children. We just don't know what is going on.

"It's outrageous this is happening in America."

Four doctors, 10 nurses and 25 mental health professionals are on hand at the makeshift shelters and 14 more doctors and medical assistant were expected, the department said.

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E-mail: nperkins@desnews.com; bwest@desnews.com