Mother, partner arrested for kidnapping five children in Texas

Ruth Encarnacion and Isael Rivera have been taken into custody in Whitney, Texas, after being located with Encarnacion's five children, who were reported missing earlier this month. The children, aged between 9 months and 10 years, are now safe and under the care of Texas Child Protective Services. Both parents face five counts of custodial kidnapping of a minor by a relative, as the family was previously involved with the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families. The Fitchburg Police initially did not issue an AMBER Alert, citing that the alerts are not meant for parental kidnapping situations. Authorities from Massachusetts are currently coordinating with Texas officials to facilitate the family's return to Massachusetts. The case highlights ongoing concerns regarding child custody and the safety of minors in similar situations.