(May 12, 2008)---The state’s decision to seek custody of the more than 460 children removed from a polygamist compound in West Texas is drawing criticism from some mental health workers.
The San Antonio Express-News reports that written reports made by workers with Hill Country Community Mental Health-Mental Retardation Center said that the CPS investigation of suspected child abuse and its decision to seek state custody of all 464 children had the effect of punishing mothers who appeared to be good parents of healthy, emotionally normal kids.
A board member provided the newspaper copies of nine reports by MHMR employees.
The reports reveal varying degrees of anger toward the state's child welfare agency for removing the children from the community, separating them from their mothers or for the way CPS workers conducted themselves at the shelter.
In order to respond to the allegations, CPS spokesman Patrick Crimmins asked for a list of written questions and replied with a two-sentence e-mail Thursday, "We have received no complaints from Hill Country MHMR. However, we will be looking into what are obviously very serious allegations, and sharing these allegations with other agencies as appropriate."
He said Friday that the agency had no further response.
Almost 50 of the children are in the care of the Methodist Children’s Home in Waco.
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