MIDLOTHIAN, Texas — An Amber Alert issued for two young children out of Midlothian was ended Friday evening after police found them safe in Joplin, Missouri.
The alert was issued Friday afternoon for two siblings. The children were allegedly taken by Alethia Tyson and Scott Welch, according to the alert. Family members tell WFAA that both suspects are the parents of the children.
According to court documents in Ellis County, a judge ordered both children to be placed into the care of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services on Monday. The agency has been investigating the couple since April, per court documents, for abuse and neglect involving the two children.
According to the Ellis County Sheriff's Office, DFPS found that both children were at risk of harm "due to both parents having a history of using drugs and recently testing positive for high levels of methamphetamine."
Officials said after the order was issued to remove the children from Tyson and Welch's custody, one of the children was removed from school, and both parents fled.
Paul Welch, the children's grandfather, said Monday following the hearing was the last time he saw Tyson and the children. The Ellis County Sheriff's Office said it was asked to pick up the children on Wednesday. A spokesperson said the office issued an Amber alert following discussions with DFPS and looking at the totality of the situation.
It's believed that Scott Welch likely joined the trio later -- he couldn't be located after Tyson and the children left Monday.
"She was telling us that they were going to take the kids, and then she packed up stuff and left," Paul Welch said.
Paul Welch said his son and grandson live with him and his wife in Midlothian.
The same court documents that Paul Welch showed WFAA indicating that DFPS was investigating the family also allege that Tyson tested positive for meth when she was just 33 weeks pregnant with her youngest.
Still, the grandfather said he was frustrated with the agency for taking the children away from their parents,. and not placing them in his or his wife's care. He added that both parents have been trying to cooperate and be better, and were taking courses through DFPS.
He also said that he doesn't believe either child is in danger or is facing any harm.
"DFPS has been harassing this family since 2007," Paul Welch said. "I don't think they're in any danger at all. I think they'd be in more danger if they were with DFPS than they are right now."
He added that he has one message for the parents as law enforcement searches for them: "Just keep these kids safe," he said.
ECSO said the parents have not been charged at this time.