But a man in Nigeria who says he is Fega's father has told caseworkers that he does not want the child back.

The children - a 7-year-old girl and boys age 4 and 6 - told caseworkers that Mr. Strickland had also beaten them, the police said.

The new regulations require those seeking shelter to tell caseworkers whether they are truly homeless and what their housing and social service needs are.

Mrs. LoCasto told caseworkers last year she was afraid to tell her husband about her third pregnancy because they were having marital problems.

When questioned about Papo's injuries, Mrs. Cortez told caseworkers that the boy had fallen out of a bunkbed while visiting relatives.

She told caseworkers her husband had taken the girl on a visit and did not return her.

When pressed, Angelee Burney told caseworkers and teachers that her child had moved back to Florida.

"I was lost," she told caseworkers, "and now I'm found."

Mrs. Cortez told caseworkers that Mr. Lopez was a relative, there to "protect" the family.

Immigration officials have failed to find her mother, and her father had told caseworkers in Florida that he did not want her sent back.