If Chad and Lori think they will lead the 144000 into the end times, and we have heard that, they probably didn't need the distraction of the kids. They could very well have stashed them with one of the 144,000 who is not called to lead but is instead called to care for the children of the leaders. But I admit this is probably just wishful thinking at this stage.
I wouldn't know how close knit they are. But we have heard so many stories from the article and even a member here about people doing some pretty extreme things, throwing away spouses, etc. Look what Lori did, Melani too. Someone is encouraging them to do those things. It may not be a charismatic leader and compound. It could just be an echo chamber in an internet forum. There seems to be some very potent Kool-aid being served somewhere.