As the search for missing siblings Lilly and Jack Sullivan continues to grip the province of Nova Scotia, new developments have emerged regarding the children’s family situation. These revelations, while delicate in nature, have added another layer of complexity to an already heart-wrenching case. Reports now indicate that the youngest member of the Sullivan family, 16-month-old Meadow, has been placed in the care of Child Protective Services (CPS).

According to sources close to the investigation and local media coverage, Meadow was taken into protective custody sometime shortly after Lilly and Jack were reported missing. Although officials have not publicly confirmed the reasons behind this decision, it is understood that such actions are typically taken when authorities have concerns for a child’s immediate safety, or when there are broader questions about a family’s circumstances amid ongoing investigations.

The situation gained additional public attention after Daniel Martell, identified as the children’s stepfather, reportedly attempted to visit Meadow at the CPS office in Stellarton. Martell told local reporters, “As of now, I can’t be around Meadow,” suggesting that a formal restriction has been placed on his ability to have contact with the infant. While he did not elaborate on the details, the remark strongly implies that Child Protective Services has limited, if not entirely suspended, his parental or custodial access for the time being.

CPS officials have declined to comment on the matter, citing privacy laws and the sensitivity of active child protection investigations. In Nova Scotia, as in other Canadian provinces, child welfare agencies are legally bound to protect the confidentiality of minors and the specifics of their cases. This includes refraining from commenting on the reasons behind custody decisions, timelines for reunification, or the nature of parental involvement unless court proceedings are made public.

In high-profile cases such as this one, where the emotional stakes are immense and public interest is high, the balance between transparency and confidentiality becomes especially delicate. Authorities have emphasized that their primary focus remains on locating Lilly and Jack, who disappeared under mysterious circumstances more than a week ago from the family’s rural property near West River Station.

The children were reportedly last seen playing near their home in the late afternoon before they vanished without a trace. Despite a multi-day search involving ground crews, aerial surveillance, and volunteer assistance, there has yet to be a confirmed sighting or physical evidence indicating their whereabouts. With every passing day, the lack of clarity only deepens the mystery—and raises more questions about what might have led to their disappearance.

While the involvement of CPS in relation to Meadow is not uncommon in missing child cases, it does suggest that authorities are considering multiple angles as they assess the children’s living environment. In many cases where children go missing under unclear or suspicious circumstances, protective agencies may step in to ensure the safety of any other children in the household while investigations unfold.

This measure does not necessarily imply wrongdoing by any specific individual. Rather, it is often viewed as a precautionary step while authorities conduct a thorough review of the home environment, parental figures, and any possible factors that could have contributed to the situation. Such reviews typically involve interviews with all adults in the home, examinations of previous child welfare involvement if any, and a holistic assessment of a child’s emotional and physical safety.

While there has been a surge of public speculation online about the family and their dynamic, the RCMP has not made any formal statements regarding allegations or charges against either parent or guardian. In a recent briefing, RCMP Sergeant Dale Hennessey reiterated that “the focus remains on finding Lilly and Jack.” He added, “We understand the community’s desire for answers, but we urge everyone to avoid speculation and allow investigators to do their work without interference.”

The community’s concern for Meadow’s well-being has been palpable. With two young siblings still missing and a third now in protective custody, the emotional toll on extended family members and the wider community is significant. Some family friends have publicly expressed sadness over the situation, while also asking for privacy as they navigate what one described as “the hardest moment of our lives.”

Meanwhile, the Sullivan home remains a central point of the ongoing investigation. Forensic teams have been seen returning to the property on several occasions, and nearby wooded areas continue to be searched. It remains unclear whether new leads have been developed in recent days, but authorities say the investigation is active and ongoing.

The legal path forward for Meadow and her guardians is likely to unfold behind closed doors in family court. These proceedings are typically confidential, and outcomes can vary widely—from supervised visitation to full reunification, or in some caes, the extended placement of a child with relatives or foster care. Such decisions are made based on a combination of risk assessments, parental cooperation, and the best interest of the child.

Child protection experts note that it’s not uncommon for CPS to act swiftly in cases involving missing children, particularly when public scrutiny is high and unknown risks exist. “In these situations, protective custody is a tool to give everyone space—space for investigators to do their work and for the system to determine whether any interim measures are needed,” said Dr. Emily Rowland, a child welfare specialist based in Halifax. “It’s not always an accusation—it’s often precautionary.”

As more details slowly emerge, the Sullivan case continues to raise difficult questions about child safety, family dynamics, and the role of institutions in times of crisis. The disappearance of Lilly and Jack remains the heart of the matter, but Meadow’s placement in CPS care has added urgency to the calls for answers. For a community still hoping for a miracle, these recent developments underscore just how fragile—and how vital—each decision becomes in the search for truth and resolution.

In the coming days, law enforcement officials are expected to release an update on the status of the investigation. For now, they are asking anyone with relevant information, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, to come forward. Meanwhile, support for the Sullivan children—Lilly, Jack, and Meadow—continues to pour in, both online and in person, from a public desperate for answers and hopeful for their safe return.