From inside the West Texas ranch of a polygamous religious sect, mothers say their children were stolen and traumatized.

But volunteer chaplains who have been monitoring the situation say that is not true.

“There was no hysteria or crying children or any of that you might think would happen,” says Gene Grounds, founder of Victim Relief Ministries, a Richardson-based volunteer chaplain organization called in times of crisis.

“From our observation, the CPS workers to a person have exhibited extreme compassion and professionalism,” says Grounds, “and caring concern.”

Eighteen Victim Relief Ministry chaplains are charged with the spiritual and emotional support of 897 staff-members, including CPS caseworkers.

"It is a ball of emotions,” says Chaplain John Lay, who is part of the operation, too.  “One second it's one emotion, the next second it's a different emotion.  And so helping them process through that is what we do.”

Lay returns to San Angelo Friday.  He's keeping a close eye on the children's mental health.

"They're learning so much,” says Lay.  “They're excited. They're playful. They're interacting more," said Lay. "The kids really have enjoyed, if you will, the whole experience of learning new things. I've not had any conversation about wanting to go home, being homesick or crying."

Lay says the children are well-behaved and treat the experience more like a field trip.  Some have played soccer for the first time.

The mothers are more tightlipped, he says.

“What has been done has been done in the most professional, compassionate, dignified, private, if you will, way possible.”  Lay adds, “I know that we have a tough, perhaps long road ahead.”

For that he offers a scripture from Isaiah 41, verse 10: "Fear not, for I am with you."

E-mail jstjames@wfaa.com