Stettler, who has been with the agency since 1989, said Utah lacks the same tradition as Texas does in using faith-based providers to deliver direct care.

He said there are many religious-based organizations that provide support services for children in foster care — such as Catholic Community Services — but no institutions that house children.

"Just based on my experience from being in Texas I'm not surprised," Stettler said. "That is part of the Bible Belt."

A placement order issued by the 5th District Court in Texas listed 16 different facilities that took in FLDS children, including those with Presbyterian, Methodist, Baptist and Catholic ties.

In addition to institutions that provide care, the state Department of Family and Protective Services also employs a faith-based specialist who, among other things, coordinates Congregations Helping in Love and Dedication (CHILD).

CHILD is an effort between Texas' faith-based communities and CPS to recruit and license foster and adoptive families through congregations.

Citing the need for more families, the Texas Adoption Resource Exchange referred to the Texas faith-based tradition of providing care for children.

"Prior to 1875, the faith community was the institution that dealt with the miss treatment (sic) of children. We would like for the faith community to get involved again with the mission of helping abused and neglected children," the Web site said.

Of course, Texas does rely on other private providers without religious links to help serve foster children, including Hendrick Home for Children in Abilene, one on the list providing care for FLDS youth.

The home was founded in 1939 by West Texas pioneers Thomas G. and Ida Nations Hendrick following the death of their only son Joseph, who was 4 years old.

The Hendricks, according to the Web site, founded the home to counter the impact of the Great Depression and its impact on young children.

The 50-acre main campus includes three family-style cottages, a gym, swimming pool complex, horse barn and 14 apartments that house single parents and their children. Its River Ranch program cares for eight boys on a 43,000-acre cattle ranch.

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E-mail: amyjoi@desnews.com