"Right now we are focusing on the actions by the Department of Child and Family Services who are seeking protection of the children," said Judge Barbara Walther of the Texas 51st District Court at the Tom Green Courthouse.

The judge wanted attorneys to help determine the most expedient and judicious way to handle the massive number of cases scheduled to be heard in her courtroom on Thursday.

"We want your input on how to handle the hearing," she said. "I want to ensure that any adults that need an attorney, and they have an absolute right to have an attorney, have one or they can apply for one."

Texas Rangers, law enforcement officers from two counties and other authorities raided the YFZ Ranch near Eldorado in Schleicher County more than a week ago. Two deputies providing security at today's hearing said they participated in the raid, which netted 416 children. Another 139 women elected to go with the children when they were bused out of the property.

A spokesman for the FLDS Church, Rod Parker, said members of the FLDS Church feel that the judicial system is biased against them.

"They are out of their element and are frightened," said Parker, a Salt Lake City attorney who has represented the FLDS church for more than a decade. "There is a big concern about not being able to have their voices heard."

Among the dozens of attorneys who showed up for the hearing, which is required within 14 days of the state's decision to place the children into temporary custody, were lawyers who said they represented the children and their mothers and fathers. Attorneys for the FLDS Church also attended the three-hour hearing.

An attorney for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services said the state wants to hold one hearing for all 416 children rounded up at the YFZ Ranch. Determining which child belongs to which mother has been a logistical nightmare for child welfare workers and others trying to determine the parentage of each child, the attorney said.

Attorneys expressed a significant amount of frustration over the logistical challenge facing them and voiced concern over not being able to speak individually by telephone with their clients.

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Contributing: Lisa Riley Roche

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E-mail: nperkins@desnews.com