New York Mom Allegedly Abducts 8 Kids While on Supervised Visit: Police

Sept. 21, 2011 — -- New York City police are searching for a 28-year-old mother who allegedly kidnapped her eight kids during a supervised visit.

Shanel Nadal allegedly took her children, seven boys and one baby girl, during an authorized visit at Forestdale child agency in Queens, N.Y., police said. The children were in foster care.

The NYC Administration for Children's Services would not comment on why Nadal had lost custody of the kids.

All of Nadal's sons have the same name, Nephra Payne, which is also the name of their 34-year-old biological father who might also be with the kids, police said.

The children range in ages from 11-month-old baby girl Nefertiti to 11-year-old Nephra Payne. While the boys have the same first and last name, some have different middle names.

The Administration for Children's Services released a statement today saying it had launched an investigation into how Nadal was able to leave with the children. The agency sought and received arrest warrants for both parents Tuesday.

"The Administration for Children's Services is working diligently with the NYPD and law enforcement to locate the children and ensure their safety," the agency said in a statement. "We have initiated an investigation to determine how this incident could have occurred during a supervised visit. During supervised visits, an agency staff member should be present at all times while still affording the family personal time together."

Police believe the couple might be traveling with the kids in a black 1996 Chevrolet Suburban with New York license plate number EXZ-5896.

A source told ABC Affiliate WABC that the mother took at least one of the children out of state this summer without permission.

The brother of some of the children's foster mother told the New York Daily News that five of the boys had been living with his sister, Linda Mitchell, for three years.

"We are worried for their safety," Corey King told the paper. "We are afraid they might get hurt."

Anyone with information about the children's whereabouts can call 1-800-577-8477.