TPD: Celis children placed with only 1 parent

TUCSON, AZ (Tucson News Now) - Child Protective Services has placed the older brothers of a missing Tucson girl in the care of one of their parents, Tucson News Now has learned.

Tucson Police Lt. Fabian Pacheco said that CPS has placed the children with one of the parents as a safety measure. He would not say which parent has the children.

Isabel Celis, 6, was reported missing on April 21.

She and her two older brothers live with their parents, Sergio and Rebecca Celis.

According to a news release from the Tucson Police Department, CPS has "instituted certain measures to ensure the continued welfare of the Celis children." The statement went on to say it is standard practice for CPS to become involved with investigations involving

The release did not elaborate on what those measures might be, but a CPS spokesman confirmed the agency's involvement in an email to Tucson News Now.

"The Department can confirm that CPS is working closely with law enforcement to ensure the continued safety of the children," said Tasya C. Peterson, CPS Director of Communications. "At the present time, the children are not in CPS custody.

"The Department appreciates the community's support and understanding in protecting the privacy rights and safety needs for these children during this ongoing joint investigation."

According to the release, detectives shared with CPS information regarding the welfare of the older children. Yesterday, CPS personnel met with detectives and the family at police headquarters.

It was after this assessment, the release said, that CPS increased its involvement.

Tucson News Now will update this story as it develops.