BBM for focus.
There was a search warrant, discussed by LE as well as by the Stanley parents in their interviews.
CPS does not need a search warrant to take children into custody.
Yes, even states have figured out--no doubt due to lawsuits--that they do need a warrant to search and seize anything, including children. The courts have not been silent on the issue and I doubt they will be silent about this one.
Case law has established that the state satisfies the reasonableness component for a full-scale search through a showing of probable cause.http://www.familyrightsassociation.com/bin/white_papers-articles/investigations.html
The judge determined in court that there was probable cause to take the children at the time, and still is. They remain in foster care. The next court hearing is Feb 12.
http://www.familyrightsassociation.com/bin/white_papers-articles/investigations.html