Sect children to go home

Published on Friday 30 May 2008 00:54

THE children taken from a polygamist sect's ranch in the United States should be returned to their parents, a court ordered last night.

The Texas Supreme Court ruled that child welfare officials had overstepped their authority by removing 460 children from the Yearning For Zion Ranch nearly two months ago.

The high court affirmed a decision by the appellate court last week, saying that Child Protective Services had failed to show an immediate danger to youngsters. In a written judgment, the court ruled: "On the record before us, removal of the children was not warranted."

The children, who are currently in foster care will be returned to their parents soon, but it is unclear exactly when that will happen.

Officials raided the compound in April, saying young girls were being forced into marriage and sex.

The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints had denied abuse and said it was being persecuted.