HOUSTON -- Four children found home alone in a northwest Harris County apartment will remain in state custody after a hearing was held Wednesday to determine their fate, KPRC Local 2 reported.

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The children were found living in a dirty apartment in the 17000 block of Cali Drive on Tuesday morning.

The children's father and grandparents were in court for the emergency custody hearing, but the judge decided to keep the children in foster care.

A woman found the oldest child, a 7-year-old girl, outside crying because she missed school.

Child Protective Services took custody of the children, who range in age from 2 to 7 years old.

The children's parents are separated. Their father, Corey Burist, said he last saw the mother late Monday and was not aware of the situation.

"We're both responsible," Burist said. "I don't stay here. Usually when I come here, everything is fine. I've been in the hospital for a week, so I hadn't been around."

Burist said the mother is in hiding because she is afraid. She has not been located.

Burist submitted to a court-ordered drug test.

Investigators said they have found signs of illegal drug use inside the apartment.

So far, no charges have been filed.