Removed Children Treated Poorly, Moms Say

SAN ANGELO, Tex., April 13 -- The mothers of children removed from a polygamous sect's ranch have written Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R) that some of their children have become sick and even required hospitalization because of how state officials are treating them.

The mothers from the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints also wrote that children are "horrified" by physical examinations they have undergone while in state custody. A copy of the letter was obtained by the Associated Press.

The mothers said the letter was mailed Saturday. Perry spokesman Robert Black said Sunday that he had not seen it and could not comment.

More than 400 children were placed in temporary custody after a 16-year-old called a domestic violence hotline, saying she had been physically and sexually abused by her 50-year-old "husband."

The one-page letter, signed by three women who said they represent others, says that about 15 mothers were away from the Yearning for Zion Ranch when their children were removed. The children are being housed in San Angelo's historic Fort Concho and at the nearby Wells Fargo Pavilion. The mothers asked Perry to examine the conditions in which the removed children have been placed.

"You would be appalled," the letter said. "Many of our children have become sick as a result of the conditions they have been placed in. Some have even had to be taken to the hospital. Our innocent children are continually being questioned on things they know nothing about. The physical examinations were horrifying to the children. The exposure to these conditions is traumatizing them."

Asked about assertions that children were hospitalized, state Child Protective Services spokeswoman Marissa Gonzalez said she would have to review the letter before commenting.

-- Associated Press