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Just one week after Daniel Baldwin‘s estranged wife Joanne filed for divorce and sought sole custody of the couple’s two daughters, the state of Oregon’s Department of Human Services took action Wednesday night and removed the kids from their mother’s care, E!Online reports.

Daniel Baldwin called the development ”sad,” and said his kids are with a family friend until he returns from shooting a film to take charge of them.   “Sadly I must report that my daughters, Avis and Finley, have been removed from their mother’s home by the Department of Human Services…,” the actor stated through a rep, adding, “DHS is sighting multiple potential improprieties and the children’s welfare as reasons for this action.”

Baldwin added, “I love my beautiful babies and will continue to be the caring protective parent I have always been.”

The actor had dropped his divorce petition two months ago but his wife filed last Thursday.  In addition to sole custody, she’s demanding four thousand dollars a month in child support from the actor as well as a million dollar life insurance policy for the benefit of the children.

After his initial divorce filing, Baldwin obtained a restraining order against Joanne, claiming she had threatened to slit his throat.  Joanne Baldwin has served 10 days in jail for drinking while on probation for a prior DUI.  The couple wed in July 2007.  It’s his third marriage.