The Nation - News from June 12, 1988

State police and social workers in Lucedale, Miss., rounded up youngsters who apparently were alerted about a court order and fled a Baptist boarding school moments before authorities investigating allegations of abuse could take them into custody. Sixty-four residents of the Bethel Home for Children were taken to the Mississippi State Hospital until they could be released to their parents or guardians. Some of the children, ages 8 through 17, were found in private homes, restaurants and along the streets of Lucedale. The judge who issued the order said there was reason to suspect physical and mental abuse of the estimated 140 students at the school. Complaints by former students ranged from severe beatings to forced labor.