MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas – Two children who were found living in an abandoned school bus nearly two weeks ago will remain in foster care, a judge ruled Monday.
An 11-year-old girl and her 5-year-old brother were found on a property on Three S near Diamond in Montgomery County on March 3.
Investigators said the bus was filled with dirty clothes and smelled like sour milk. Trash, rusty nails and propane tanks were scattered on the front lawn, officials said.
The children's aunt, Hazel Earline, said she checked on the children when she could, but she worked 12-hour shifts. The children were left unattended from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., according to court documents.
The children were placed in foster care on March 3 and have been doing well, according to Children's Protective Services.
On Monday, a judge ruled that the conditions the children were living in were not safe for them and ordered that they remain in foster care.
The children's parents are serving time in federal prison for embezzling thousands of dollars meant for Hurricane Ike victims.
According to court documents, the children were not enrolled in school. The girl claimed that her aunt homeschooled her and her brother.
The children were ordered to start school on Monday. A case worker said the children were nervous but excited to attend classes.