In re Custody of the Minors La Place

OPINION'

The matter of the custody of two young children, Louis Andre La Place and Lawrence La Place, aged seven and six, respectively, is before this court on a writ of habeas corpus brought by the Government of the Virgin Islands. The writ was directed to Ruby M. Rouss with whom the children are presently residing under a foster care arrangement made by the Department of Social Welfare. Testimony of witnesses for the Government and witnesses who appeared on behalf of Miss Rouss and the children was heard in open court on November 2, 1967. The evidence, most of which is undisputed, is…